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COFVRIGHT BEPOS1T: 



THE HORSE: 



AILMENTS and ACCIDENTS 



BY 

FRANK TOWNEND BARTON, M.R.C.V.S. 

AUTHOR OF 

'THE PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE ' ; 'THE ESSENTIALS OF 

THE PRACTICE OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINE ' ; < THE AGE 

OF THE HORSE ' ; « BREAKING AND TRAINING HORSES ' ; 

' THE VETERINARY MANUAL, ' ETC. 



PHILADELPHIA 
HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY 



Copyright, 1908, by Howard E. Altemus 



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Two Copies Hecety, 

-APR J 3 1908 



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GOPY S, 



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PEEFACE 

Under the title of The Horse: Ailments and 
Accidents, the author has endeavoured to supply 
the amateur with a practical guide pertaining to 
the commoner ailments and accidents affecting 
the horse. The book is not written with the idea 
of enabling the horse-owner to do without the 
assistance of the qualified veterinary surgeon ; in 
fact, the author is strongly opposed to the home- 
doctoring of live-stock, and believes that much 
mischief is frequently done through the adoption 
of this foolishly economical plan. The work has 
been expressly prepared for the service of those 
who, when requiring professional advice and aid, 
have a difficulty in getting it quickly, or perhaps 
cannot get it at all, as is sometimes the case in 
countries where there is not sufficient work to 
encourage veterinary surgeons to take up their 
residence. 



CONTENTS 



INTRODUCTION 



PAGE 



Stable Management — Ventilation and Cleanliness — The 
Bedding — Clothing and Bandages — Grooming — 
Feeding and Watering — Feeding Sick Horses — How 
to Administer Liquid Medicine, . . . . 11 

CHAPTER I 

THE HEART — THE PULSE — TEMPERATURE, . . 25 

CHAPTER II 

AFFECTIONS OF THE AIR-TUBES AND CHEST 

Bronchitis — Chronic Coughs : Broken Wind : Roaring 
— Laryngitis — Catarrh — Acute Congestion of the 
Lungs — Pleuro -Pneumonia, 30 

CHAPTER III 
DISEASES DUE TO MICRO-ORGANISMS 

Tuberculosis, or Consumption — Actinomycosis — An- 
thrax — Tetanus, or Lockjaw — Glanders — Horse 
Distemper, or Influenza — Strangles, ... 40 

DISEASES OCCURRING ABROAD 
Surra — Cape Horse Sickness — Epizootic Lymphangitis, 54 



viii THE HORSE 

CHAPTER IV 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS 

PAGE 

Inflammation of the Bowels — Colic — Concretions — In- 
ternal Parasites or Worms — Diarrhoea and Dysen- 
tery, 59 

CHAPTER V 

LIVER COMPLAINTS 

Cirrhosis of the Liver — Indurated Liver — Bilious Fever 

— Gall Stones and Jaundice, 70 

CHAPTER VI 

AFFECTIONS OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE 
ORGANS 

Inflammation of the Kidneys — Stone or Gravel within 
the Kidneys — Stone in the Bladder — Inflammation 
of the Bladder — Irritability of the Bladder — 
Strangury — Incontinence of Urine — Blood in the 
Urine — Sheath Swollen — Premature Birth — Abor- 
tion — Normal Labour — (Estrum — Vagina, Discharge 
from, 75 

CHAPTER VII 

CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS' DANCE 
String- Halt — Paralysis — Delirium, , . . 84 

CHAPTER VIII 

NON-CLASSIFIED AILMENTS 

Diabetes — Azoturia — Lymphangitis, or Weed— Rheu- 
matism, . 88 



'/.■■•■* CONTENTS ix 

CHAPTER IX 

THE EYE: INJURIES, DISEASE, ETC. 

PAGE 

Ophthalmia and Foreign Bodies upon the Eye — Cataract 
— Torn Eyelids — Worm in the Eye — Amaurosis — 
Stricture of the Lachrymal Duct, .... 94 

CHAPTER X 

CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 

Mud-Rash and Mud-Fever — Cracked Heels — Psoriasis 
(Mallenders and Sallenders) — Eczema — Purpura — 
Mange — Grease — Lice — Saddle and Collar Galls — 
Nettle-Rash and Ringworm, 100 

CHAPTER XI 

POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 
Arsenic — Antimony — Lead — The Yew, . . . 110 

CHAPTER XII 

DISEASES AFFECTING THE FEET, ETC. 

Brushing — Quittor — Diseases of the Wall : Sandcrack— - 
False Quarter — Pumiced or Collapsed Wall — Seedy 
Toe — Contraction of the Feet — Corns — Canker — 
Thrush of the Foot — Laminitis, or Fever in the Feet 
— Navicular- Arthritis, 114 

CHAPTER XIII 

DRUGS: THEIR DOSES AND USES — RECIPES 

Alterative Condition Powder — Anti-Diarrhcea Mixture 

— Antiseptics — Diuretics — Lotion for Sprains — 
Lotion for Collar and Saddle Galls — Laxative Ball 

— Liniments — Wound Liniment — Stimulating 
Draught — Tonics — Hoof Ointment — Iodine Oint- 
ment — Domestic Measuring Utensils — List of Drugs 

and Useful Appliances, 131 



x THE HORSE 

CHAPTER XIV 

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 

PAGE 

Treatment and General Management of Wounds, . . 139 
CHAPTER XV 

FRACTURES 

Positive Signs of Fracture— The Union of a Fractured 
Bone — Fractures of the Fore Limb — Fractures of the 
Hind Limb — Fracture of Femur and Fracture of 
the Tibia, 147 

CHAPTER XVI 

DISEASES AFFECTING THE BONES AND JOINTS 

Thoropin — Bog- Spavin — Various other Bursal Enlarge- 
ments — Capped Elbow — Splint — Sore Shins — Curb 
— CappedHock — Bone-Spavin — Ringbone — Rupture 
of the Flexor Metatarsi Muscle — Dislocation of the 
Patella, or Slipped Knee-Cap — Inflammation of the 
Stifle-Joint — Open Joint — Hip-Joint Lameness, . 158 



INTRODUCTION 

Stable Management. 

To ensure the well-being of horses it is necessary 
to give proper attention to all matters pertaining 
to the stable, not only within, but also without. 

A capable horsekeeper will endeavour to make 
the most of a bad or indifferent stable ; and bad 
or indifferent stables are, we regret to say, only 
too commonly met with. On the other hand, a 
careless or lazy horsekeeper has his stable and 
appliances, however good they may be, always in 
a mess, or only now and again, after a great effort, 
manages to right for the moment matters that 
should never have been allowed to get out of 
order. What is said here of the stable applies to 
the horses as well ; they, too, must be kept in a 
good condition, for, as it is hardly necessary to 
say, horses, when in poor condition, are quite 
unfitted to perform even an ordinary amount of 
work, let alone the heavy tasks that are so com- 
monly imposed upon them. 

When acting in a professional capacity, the 



12 THE HOUSE 

writer has frequently noted the exceedingly negli- 
gent manner in which proprietors treat their 
horses. This negligence very often arises through 
want of sufficient knowledge regarding the re- 
quirements of the horse; and it should be the 
duty of every horse-owner to make himself 
acquainted with the care and general manage- 
ment of his stud, for horsekeepers are not slow 
to find out just how much or how little their 
masters know of horses, and an unprincipled man 
will sometimes take advantage of his master's 
ignorance, and, thinking that his faults will go 
undetected, not only shirk his work, but perhaps 
appropriate money that should have gone towards 
the benefit of the stud. 

Among horsekeepers, as in all classes, there are 
black sheep, and the master who does not keep in 
touch with things, but leaves the management of 
his stables entirely in the hands of his man does 
injustice to himself, his man, and his horses. He 
makes it too easy for irregularities to occur, and 
we would advise every master to supervise the 
purchase of forage and stable appliances, to pay 
the shoeing bills himself, and to visit the stable 
as often as he can. A good groom is worth keep- 
ing, and it is when he finds that his master takes 
a proper share of interest in the work of the 
stable that a groom appreciates his situation. 



INTRODUCTION 13 

Ventilation and Cleanliness. 

Both ventilation and cleanliness are important 
factors in the maintenance of health. 

Overheated and foul-smelling stables are very 
common. They belong, as a rule, to tradesmen 
and small dealers, but are by no means confined 
to these classes. 

A hot stable causes horses to put on flesh, and 
dealers take advantage of this, for it enables them 
to improve the appearance of horses that are in 
poor or indifferent condition. Horses turned out 
sleek in this way, from hot stables, are not, how- 
ever well they may look, in hard-working condi- 
tion, as the purchaser will soon find out for 
himself. 

The stable should be kept cool, yet free from 
draughts. Air should enter by a ventilator facing 
the south, and escape by another ventilator in the 
roof. Many arrange the windows immediately 
over the manger, but this does not appear to the 
writer to be a wise plan ; far too much cold air 
is admitted directly upon the animal's head, and 
catarrh often follows. 

Probably the most general plan adopted for the 
admission of fresh air is that of having the door 
in halves so that the lower portion can be fastened 
and the upper left open. For loose boxes this is 



14 THE HORSE 

most useful, but, in a stable having many stalls, 
hardly gives sufficient ventilation, for it is useless 
to have an inlet for pure air unless there is pro- 
vision made for the outlet of the impure. 

Another matter well worthy of the attention of 
those contemplating the arranging of a stable is 
to avoid having a double row of stalls. It is 
dangerous, not only to the horses, but also very 
often to the grooms, more especially if the centre 
way is narrow. Plenty of depth and width, with 
complete separation of the horses, is advisable, 
both for the comfort and the safety of all con- 
cerned. 

During the hot weather it is a matter of 
common-sense that as much ventilation as pos- 
sible should be allowed, but when east winds 
prevail, or the days are damp, wet, and cold, one 
must study the amount of air to be admitted. 

In the summer the stable floor may with advan- 
tage be washed down once daily, preferably in the 
early morning. A good deal will depend upon 
the nature of the material that has been used in 
the construction of the flooring. When cobble- 
stones form the floor, and there is no cement 
between, too much washing makes the ground 
very damp, and assists to loosen the cobble- 
stones. The best material for a floor is roughened 
cement, vitrified paving, or one or other of the 



INTRODUCTION 15 

materials specially manufactured by dealers in 
stable fittings. Asphalt, wood, brick, flag-stones, 
etc., are not suitable materials for stable floors. 
In winter, once or twice a week will be often 
enough to wash down the floor. When flushing 
the drains, add some carbolic acid to the water. 

All stable fittings ought to be scrubbed at least 
once a week; in fact, many stud grooms compel 
the strapper to wash these two or three times 
weekly. Nothing looks worse than dirty mangers 
smothered in sour food. This condition tends to 
sicken a horse, especially if the animal is a little 
bit out of its usual form. 

Stable walls, doors, and stall-posts should all be 
gone over in the cleaning, and any one skilled in 
his work will perform these duties in a surpris- 
ingly short time. On the other hand, the lazy 
groom often takes a very long time over his work, 
without getting anything really finished. Let 
the general and special work be thoroughly done, 
and it will prove a source of pleasure to all 
concerned. 

When the stable walls are whitened, it is a 
good plan to renew the limewash once every 
three months. 

The Bedding. 

Unfortunately, for some poor horses no bedding 



16 THE HORSE 

material is provided ; consequently many of these 
slaves never lie down to rest. A horse that is 
not a good rester never thrives as well as one 
that is, and its limbs suffer the effects of wear 
sooner. 

The best bedding material is straw, but some 
horses have an abominable habit of eating their 
bedding. When this is the case, the animals 
must be tied up or else muzzled at night, and 
the bedding taken up during the daytime. 

Moss-litter is extensively used, chiefly because 
it proves more economical, and occupies less bulk 
both before and after use. Its power of absorption 
is great, and it is antiseptic ; that is, it does not 
quickly become foul. This is a strong recom- 
mendation where there is no drainage, or the 
sanitary arrangements are in any way defec- 
tive. 

Shavings and dried bracken are sometimes 
used. The last named is fairly good, but some 
horses will eat it, and this is a pernicious habit. 

All droppings and soiled straw should be re- 
moved several times daily, and the bedding nicely 
sorted over with a two-pronged, blunt-pointed 
fork. 

Straw, when it is scarce, can be taken up 
during the daytime and relaid at night after 
the animal has been fed. Some horsekeepers 



INTRODUCTION 17 

make a practice of drying the bedding in the 
open air daily. This is commendable. 

In some counties farmers have an unlimited 
supply of straw, more especially if the previous 
harvest has been a bountiful one. In town the 
matter is different, and the proprietor of a stud 
often has great difficulty in procuring straw. 
Moss-litter can, however, always be had at reason- 
able rates. If used, it requires to be well broken 
up, and raked over several times throughout 
the day. Parts saturated with urine should be 
removed. 

Clothing and Bandages. 

All the lighter breeds of horses are the better 
for being clothed both summer and winter. In 
the summer it is advisable to have cotton or 
linen rugs, or what the writer considers very 
much better, a light flannel rug or suit. Heavier 
woollen rugs are requisite for winter use. If 
horses are well clothed and regularly groomed, 
there is no necessity to have recourse to clip- 
ping. 

Bandages are of great advantage to light horses. 
They improve the circulation and keep the lower 
portions of the limbs in a healthy state, and 
should always be used in the case of horses that 
are inclined to become puffy about their joints 



18 THE HOUSE 

after standing in the stable a few hours. Some 
proprietors only bandage the limbs at night, 
whereas others allow the bandages to remain on 
throughout the daytime. Horses are frequently 
exercised in bandages. Flannel and cotton are 
the materials of which bandages are generally 
made. 

It is not every groom that can apply a bandage 
properly. The bandage must first of all be tightly 
rolled up, but it should not be put on too tightly ; 
it should be evenly and firmly adjusted so as to 
give the desired pressure without interfering with 
the circulation. 

Rubber and adhesive bandages are sometimes 
employed for special purposes. When ordinary 
bandages are taken off, the string or tape marks 
ought not to be observable. 

Grooming. 

Grooms may be classified as good, bad, and 
indifferent. 

A good groom or horsekeeper is worthy of 
respect, but the one who does his work in a 
slipshod or indifferent manner does not, in the 
author's opinion, deserve any consideration, for 
he does not show due consideration to those 
that are unable not only to help themselves, but 
also unable to complain of the poor attendance 



INTKODUCTION 19 

bestowed upon them. If work is worth doing at 
all, surely it is worth doing well. 

To find one's horses turned out half-groomed 
is most galling; and the writer has had more 
than one reckoning with grooms on this score. 
It is the excuses that cut so deeply. If a man 
has sufficient honour to admit that his charge 
is in a dirty state, one might forgive ; but to 
argue against the truth is, to my mind, the worst 
offence a strapper can commit. When a horse 
comes in, its feet should first of all be washed, 
but do not wet the heels unless you have the 
time afterwards to dry them thoroughly. To 
leave the heels wet predisposes them to become 
cracked, as hands become chapped. 

If the weather is hot and the animal sweating, 
it is a good plan to wash the sweaty portions, 
afterwards drying them with a chamois. The 
face, beneath the arms, under the tail, the thighs, 
etc., should be sponged. The horse is now put 
in the stable or else gently exercised until it is 
sufficiently cool to be rugged up. When a horse 
has a heavy coat it is a very difficult matter to 
dry it satisfactorily. This shows the advisability 
of keeping the coat short. Sponging the sweaty 
patches and then vigorously shampooing with a 
wisp of straw is the usual custom. Never put 
on the clothing until the animal is thoroughly 



20 THE HORSE 

dry. If a horse comes in covered with mud, it 
can either be washed, or the mud allowed to dry 
and then brushed off. Both plans are general. 
If it is cold weather, you ought not to wet the 
horse any more than is absolutely needful. 
Sponge over with warm water. 

As to how the legs should be cleaned, horse- 
men differ so much that the writer does not 
feel inclined to enter the arena of discussion. 
Every man has a right to hold his own opinion 
until he is convinced that his views are wrong. 
This is a matter upon which no dogmatic asser- 
tions can be laid down. 

If the lower portions of the limbs have not 
been clipped, it is perhaps as well not to wet 
them, but to allow the mud to dry, and then to 
brush it off. The dandy-brush and curry-comb 
must be freely used ; the latter for cleaning the 
brush. It is a very easy matter to ascertain if 
a horse has been properly cleaned. Pass the 
hand lightly over the body and limbs, more 
especially under the forearms and inside the 
thighs. If there is any mud left on, it will be 
felt in small lumps beneath the hand. 

After the dirt has been removed with the 
dandy-brush the coat should be gone over with 
a soft brush, and the chamois used to put on 
the finishing touches. 



INTRODUCTION 21 

Feeding and Watering. 

The grand principles of feeding are : — 
(a) To give food regularly. 
(6) To give sufficient in quantity, 
(o) To give food of the finest quality. 

(d) To feed upon a mixed diet. 

(e) To feed at least one hour before exercise 

or work. 

If these rules be duly followed the results are 
almost sure to be satisfactory. 

A mixed fodder may comprise such cereals as 
oats, maize, barley, combined with beans, peas, 
bran, chaff, etc. The oats should constitute the 
bulk, or, at any rate, be next to the cut 
stuff. Bran should come next, and then the 
maize, beans, and peas, all these being bruised. 
The number of times to feed a horse through- 
out the day will entirely depend upon the 
work the animal has to perform. Three or 
four times daily is the rule. Unless a horse 
is performing a fair share of work, three times 
a day is quite often enough. From 5 to 14 lbs. 
of the best hay is necessary each day. During 
summer grass or other green meat can be sub- 
stituted for a portion of the hay, but not for 
the other food, for a horse cannot perform its 
work satisfactorily on green food alone. 



22 THE HORSE 

Don't feed a horse immediately it comes in 
from work. Allow it to cool down first. About 
a quart of cold water may be allowed as soon as 
the animal comes in. 

Both oats and hay ought to be one year old 
before being used. 

Feeding Sick Horses. 

Any one that has had the charge of horses in 
health and disease knows that there is a vast 
difference under the two conditions. When a 
horse is really ill, it usually requires a good deal 
of skill and patience to tempt it to partake of 
any food. A thoughtful groom will prepare and 
procure all sorts of forage in order to bring back 
the desire for food. Carrots, swedes, grass, linseed 
cake, cabbage leaves, scalded hay, steamed corn, 
etc., have all, perhaps, to be tried in turn. 

It is important never to leave food before a 
sick horse. Remove what the horse does not 
take then and there, and try the patient with 
something else a little later on in the day. 

How to Administer Liquid Medicine, 
Balls, and Powders. 

It takes some skill to give a draught or dose 
of liquid medicine to a horse in a satisfactory 



INTRODUCTION 23 

manner. The writer has often been surprised 
to see how indifferently these draughts have been 
given by those who might have been expected 
to know better. It must be understood, how- 
ever, that horses differ in their way of taking 
medicine. Some horses prove extremely re- 
fractory, and others will hold the fluid for an 
indefinite time. This is particularly annoying 
to those assisting, for a horse's head is no light 
weight to support. Foolish grooms sometimes 
resort to the dangerous expedient of pinching 
the throat or rubbing the neck in order to make 
the animal swallow. This trick cannot be too 
strongly condemned. It is useless as well as 
dangerous. Another nasty trick is that of pour- 
ing fluid down the nostril. In the author's 
opinion this ought to be made a criminal offence. 
Have the head well supported with a rope or 
twitch, and then pour the fluid slowly in at the 
left side of the mouth, taking particular care 
that the neck of the bottle does not pass in 
between the grinders. Support the lower lip, 
as this forms a pouch, and the animal usually 
relies upon it to contain the bulk of the draught, 
ready to be disgorged directly the head is 
lowered. 

Powders can be mixed with the food, or, if 
soluble, given in water. Balls require to be 



24 THE HORSE 

given expeditiously, and the hand or balling- 
gun can be employed for this purpose. 

Electuaries are now a good deal used by 
veterinary surgeons, and this constitutes a most 
excellent method of administering solids and 
semi-fluids. 



HEART— PULSE— TEMPERATURE 25 



CHAPTER I 

THE HEART — THE PULSE — TEMPERATURE 

Introduction. — The heart of the horse is 
situated about the centre of the cavity of the 
chest, and is suspended in its position by means 
of large blood-vessels chiefly. It is composed of 
an apex and a base ; the apex is free, but the base 
is the junction between the heart and the body. 
The heart is a hollow, muscular organ, made up 
of a special variety of muscular fibres. There 
are, really, a right and a left heart, consisting of 
the right and the left ventricles below, and the 
auricles above. 

These compartments communicate by means 
of valves, and the large vessels of the heart also 
have valves. Any of these valves may become 
diseased, and cease to work properly. 

The heart is enclosed in a serous membrane or 
bag, known as the pericardium. Sometimes 
this bag is the seat of a dropsical effusion — dropsy 
of the heart. 



26 THE HORSE 

The heart beats normally at the rate of 36 to 
45 times per minute, but this is greatly increased 
during exertion and in some diseases. 

Diseases of the Heart. 

The horse, in common with other living creatures, 
is liable to suffer from many troubles in the 
heart. These are organic ; or functional. Organic 
trouble means that the structure is diseased, and 
when structural changes take place in the horse's 
heart the animal is, necessarily, of very little 
utility. A horse suffering from heart affection is 
not safe to ride, owing to the possibility of a 
sudden breakdown, which may result in serious 
injury to the rider. 

What is known as ' cardiac syncope ' occurs in 
the horse, and may account for many instances 
of the so-called megrims. 

All diseases of the heart are beyond the dia- 
gnosis of any one but the professional, and the 
horse-owner, if he suspects the existence of disease, 
should seek professional advice forthwith. 

When a mare is affected with a heart com- 
plaint, she can be used for breeding purposes, 
and in this way will be still a useful asset. 

Inflammation of the heart, or the sac, valvular 
disease, fatty degeneration, dilatation of the heart, 
rupture of the heart, and palpitation are the chief 



HEART— PULSE— TEMPERATURE 27 

cardiac diseases. These — palpitation excepted — 
are, as previously stated, beyond the diagnosis of 
the layman, so that it would be useless to enter 
into a discussion as to their causes, symptoms, 
and treatment. 

The Pulse. 

This consists of an undulation or series of 
undulations in the walls of arteries, in response to 
an afflux of blood thrown into these vessels by 
contractions of the heart. The normal number 
of pulsations a minute in the horse is from 36 to 
45, or thereabout. In young animals the pulse is 
very much quicker. 

Each pulsation should, in perfect health, be 
full and regular, and should take a given time. 

The pulsations in disease are spoken of as 
being quick, slow, irregular, wiry, steady, inter- 
mittent, hard, soft, double, and so forth. 

Considerable practice is necessary before one can 
appreciate, to its full extent, the variations of the 
pulse. The character of the pulsations, individu- 
ally and collectively, is of more importance to the 
physician than the actual number of pulsations. 

Most veterinary surgeons take the pulse at the 
artery beneath the jaw, this being the most con- 
venient. The second and third fingers of the 
right hand are placed lightly, yet firmly, upon the 



28 THE HOESE 

wall of the artery, whilst the left hand steadies 
the animal's head. 

The Temperature. 

To ascertain the amount of bodily heat, it is 
necessary to employ what is known as a clinical 
thermometer. 

Good thermometers can be purchased at any 
chemist's for 2s. 6d. or 3s. 6d. 

This instrument consists of a bulb, containing 
mercury, and a stem with figures upon it, and 
strokes between the whole numbers. A small 
rod of mercury will be found towards the lower 
end of the stem. This is the index or registering 
medium. 

The figures — 95, 100, 105, and 110 — are degrees 
in the Fahrenheit scale, but the centigrade is 
divided into 100 parts. Thermometers are also 
sold, though not greatly used in this country. The 
short, small strokes between the longer ones on 
the scale are equivalent to two-tenths of a degree, 
and the temperature is read thus: — 100, 100*2, 
1004, 1006, 100'8, 101, 1012, 1014, and so on. 

The normal temperature of the horse at rest is 
100 F. or 101 F., certainly not 102 F. In some 
fevers common temperatures are 104, 105, 106 ; 
a higher temperature than 106 means that the 
condition of the patient is critical. Take the 



HEART— PULSE— TEMPERATURE 29 

temperature in the rectum, by holding the ther- 
mometer in the right hand, elevating the tail 
and inserting the bulb into the bowel, with the 
right hand supporting the stem; allow the 
thermometer to remain a couple of minutes. 
Take the temperature night and morning, and 
always make a note of it The clinical thermo- 
meter is a valuable aid to diagnosis, and should 
be kept in every establishment where there are 
animals. 



30 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER II 

AFFECTIONS OF THE AIR-TUBES AND CHEST 

Bronchitis. 

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes may be 
either acute or chronic, and it is usually associ- 
ated with disease of the lungs, such as pneumonia, 
glanders, etc. So long as the inflammatory action 
is chiefly confined to the larger air-tubes there 
is not much danger, but when the minute tubes 
(capillary air-tubes) become involved, there is 
a tendency for the complaint to end in catarrhal 
pneumonia, and this it frequently does. 

Mechanical bronchitis is that brought on by 
the inhalation of irritating vapours, or else through 
invasion of the bronchial tubes by thread- worms — 
an uncommon cause in colts and foals. 

Chronic Coughs and Broken Wind: Roaring. 

A horse is said to have a ' chronic cough ' when 
the cough has been in existence for a lengthened 
period. 

Although this may arise through a variety of 
causes, it is generally indicative of ' broken wind/ 



THE AIR-TUBES AND CHEST 31 

and the tone of the cough is very characteristic. 
If once heard, it is easily recognised a second 
time. It is a deep, sepulchral cough, and may be 
provoked by gentle manipulation around the 
upper part (larynx) of the windpipe. 

By noting the horse's breathing, the owner can 
satisfy himself if the cough is indicative of broken 
wind. The expiration, i.e. the squeezing out of 
air, is performed in two movements instead of by 
a single effort. During the first part of the act 
the air is forced out of the chest suddenly until 
a certain point is reached, and then there is a 
pause in the act, the remaining air being as it 
were squeezed out 

When about to purchase a horse, always take 
particular care to see that the animal is not 
broken-winded, for a horse of this description has 
no market value. 

Dealers, when they want to sell a broken- 
winded horse, endeavour to conceal the cough 
by administering such substances as shot and 
grease, etc. 

A whistler, as the name implies, makes a 
whistling sound during exertion, either slight 
or severe. 

A thick- winded horse is to all intents and 
purposes a roarer. 

When an attempt is made to strike, or the 



32 THE HORSE 

animal is suddenly frightened, it will, if a roarer, 
be almost certain to grunt, but grunting is not 
always a sign that the animal is a roarer, being, 
in some instances, due to nervousness. 

Grunting must be taken as fairly good positive 
evidence that the animal is not sound in its wind, 
though it will not do to take it as proof. 

If grunting is discovered, it is necessary to 
take special pains to ascertain whether the 
animal is or is not sound in wind. Numerous 
actions have been raised by purchasers against 
veterinary surgeons (and others) for passing 
grunters as sound, also for breach of duty in not 
reporting the defect to the intending purchaser. 
In the majority of instances roaring and whis- 
tling are due to paralysis of certain muscles of 
the larynx, arising through fatty degeneration 
of the muscular fibres. 

This sort of roaring could not be developed 
suddenly, for the changes that produce it are, as 
a rule, the result of defective nerve-force, and 
take weeks or perhaps months to come about ; 
and it is impossible for a horse honestly certified 
sound one week to become a roarer the next. It 
must be understood, however, that there are 
other causes of roaring, and that these may 
become operative at any moment; and it is here 
that trouble may arise when there is litigation 



THE AIR-TUBES AND CHEST 33 

over the purchase of a roarer. For instance, a 
horse may have a pedunculated tumour growing 
from, or in juxtaposition to, the glottal (windpipe) 
opening, and although this tumour, so long as 
it remains in a simple or dormant condition and 
keeps clear of the opening, does little or no harm, 
it may become, at any moment, the cause of 
roaring, by dipping into the glottal passage and 
producing an obstruction to the free passage of 
air into the larynx and trachea. Roaring appears 
to be hereditary, perhaps through some peculiarity 
of conformation in the region of the neck. 

In cases of poisoning by lead or by the Indian 
vetch, roaring is often very marked. It must 
be understood, however, that roaring horses, 
although their defect decreases their value, can 
perform ordinary work. Look at the large 
number of cab horses, hunters, etc., that work 
for years with tracheotomy tubes, and do their 
work well. Roaring may be either temporary, 
(laryngitis) or permanent (fatty degeneration), 
generally the latter. Drugs, excepting arsenic, 
have no influence over the disease when it is 
permanent, and tracheotomy is the best means 
of alleviating the embarrassed breathing. This 
operation must be done by a veterinary surgeon. 

Sires or dams affected should not be kept for 
stock purposes. 



34 THE HORSE 

Laryngitis. 

Inflammation of the larynx, or sore throat, is 
a fairly common complaint, and is often associated 
with influenza or influenzoid colds. 

This condition is denoted by difficulty of 
swallowing, more particularly of swallowing hay 
and other dry food. The animal has a cough, 
hard at first, but later on soft and moist. When 
the cough becomes soft, there is a free discharge 
from the nostrils. Internal temperature is gener- 
ally up a little, and the patient out of health in 
other ways. 

Treatment. — Stimulate throat with mustard 
paste or some other stimulating application, and 
add half an ounce of chlorate of potash and half 
an ounce of Epsom salts to the drinking-water 
night and morning. 

Give linseed gruel, milk, and a few scalded 
oats, steamed carrots, etc., to eat. 

Keep horse well clothed and limbs bandanged, 
and see that the stable has plenty of pure air 
admitted into it. Send for veterinary surgeon. 

Catarrh. 

This may be either acute or chronic, and in 
the chronic form it is usually symptomatic of 
some other diseased condition, such as disease of 



THE AIK-TUBES AND CHEST 35 

the molar teeth, disease of the sinuses of the 
head, glanders, etc. Acute catarrh is a com- 
paratively benign malady, and appears to result 
from exposure to cold. There is a difficulty in 
being certain as to whether a horse may be 
affected with this complaint in a simple, or in 
a malignant, form. 

The animal appears to be a ' bit out of sorts/ 
as the saying goes, has a discharge from the 
nostrils, and does not feed as usual. The lining 
membrane of the nostrils is heightened in its 
colour, and so is the lining of the eyelids. 

Chronic catarrh is indicated by a continuous, 
or else an intermittent, discharge from one or 
both nostrils, but in glanders commonly from one 
nostril only. 

In the first-named disorder, all that is necessary, 
as a rule, to restore health, is to keep the animal 
warm, give a few days' rest, and feed on scalded 
bran, linseed, and crushed oats, with the addition 
of an ounce of Epsom salts to the drinking-water 
once a day. Whenever a horse has a chronic nasal 
discharge, it is advisable to consult a veterinary 
surgeon, so that a lot of possible trouble and 
annoyance may be avoided. 

Acute Congestion of Lungs. 

There is a form of pulmonary engorgement or 



36 THE HOUSE 

congestion of the lungs that is specially prone to 
attack hunters (and other horses as well) that 
have not got into working condition at the 
commencement of the season. 

If a horse has not been ' prepared/ by daily and 
increasing exercise, before it is required for the 
chase, the chances are that there will be bellows 
to mend soon after the first sharp gallop. 

The exercise increases the number of pulsations 
or heart-beats, and this throws an extra quantity 
of blood into the lungs, and, as these have not 
been prepared to receive it, the vessels become 
clogged, and stagnation ensues. 

Sometimes this engorgement of the lungs is 
speedily followed by inflammation of the feet or 
founder. 

Sudden engorgement of the lungs is denoted 
by very rapid breathing, the flanks beating all 
the time. The animal has a very distressed look 
upon its face, and is probably sweating; the 
pulse is small and nearly imperceptible, perhaps 
100 a minute. 

The horse is in a critical condition, and unless 
immediate relief be obtained will most certainly 
die. 

Treatment. — This must be energetic. The 
rider must get out of the saddle, ungirth, and 
turn horse's head to wind, and, if it can be done, 



THE AIE-TUBES AND CHEST 37 

obtain some (say a flaskful) of whisky, and give 
this at once in a little water. 

Seek professional assistance immediately. If 
horse is in good condition, it must be freely bled 
(four to five quarts) from the jugular vein. This 
is the best and speediest way of giving relief, only 
it requires professional skill. 

The whisky can be repeated. 

Horse must be kept quiet, and, if possible, 
placed in the nearest stables, the body being 
well clothed, so as to aid in the restoration of 
the circulation. 

Pleuro-Pneumonia. 

The horse is a frequent sufferer from inflam- 
mation of the lungs, usually in association with 
pleurisy. 

There is a special form of pneumonia, known 
as contagious pleuro -pneumonia, and this com- 
plaint, when once it starts amongst a stud, 
commonly claims many victims. 

Lung complications are exceedingly common in 
influenza, and this accounts for the greater part 
of the deaths from this complaint. It is not 
often that pleurisy exists apart from some 
pneumonia, because the two structures, lungs 
and pleurae, are so closely related. 

The worst feature about pleurisy is its tendency 



38 THE HORSE 

to result in effusion, and this, if excessive, con- 
stitutes dropsy of the chest — a very undesirable, 
morbid condition of affairs. Both croupous and 
catarrhal pneumonia are said to occur in the 
horse, but most cases are, probably, of the 
latter kind. Exposure to cold has been blamed 
as one cause of pneumonia. 

Tuberculosis, strangles, etc., if they are advanced, 
may excite acute attack of pleurisy. The leading 
symptoms are: quickened respiration: a rise of 
four or five degrees Fahrenheit; an oppressed 
hard pulse; a crepitation during the earlier 
stages of the disease ; later, an absence of the 
normal vesicular murmur over areas of the 
lung. 

During the earliest stages of pleurisy there is 
the so-called ' dry rubbing/ or friction murmur, 
heard when the ear is placed to side of chest. 
There is also a short, suppressed cough, and very 
often a horse will grunt if a feint is made to 
strike him, ever so lightly. The animal stands 
obstinately, and the mucous membranes are 
redder than normally. Sighing is sometimes a 
marked feature, more especially if there is water 
in the chest. 

The friction sound becomes lost when the latter 
occurs. 

Treatment. — This should be left in the hands 



THE AIR-TUBES AND CHEST 39 

of the professional man, and the sooner his aid 
is obtained the better the chances of success. In 
the meantime a mustard paste should be well 
rubbed over both sides of the chest-wall, the 
body clothed, and the limbs bandaged. 

Keep temperature of stable up to about 52 
degrees Fahrenheit, and see that horse is made 
very comfortable in every way. 

Allow cold water to drink, and add a table - 
spoonful of Epsom salts to it daily, together with 
a little powdered nitre. Stimulants (brandy) are 
often of great benefit. 



40 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER III 

DISEASES DUE TO MICRO-ORGANISMS 

Introduction. — Most of the diseases included 
under this heading are due to the entrance of 
germs into the system, and all of them- — with 
a few exceptions — are of an infectious nature. 
Such diseases as strangles, glanders, and influenza 
are exceedingly common in this and many other 
countries, but surra, bursattee, and Cape horse 
sickness are unknown in Great Britain; so was 
epizootic lymphangitis before its introduction 
into this country during the time of the Boer 
War, though, fortunately, it is rarely met with 
over here, being a scheduled malady. 

The following are the principal ailments of 
this class : — Actinomycosis ; tuberculosis, or con- 
sumption; influenza; strangles; glanders; tetanus, 
or lockjaw; Cape horse sickness ; surra; anthrax; 
epizootic lymphangitis. A brief account of these 
is as follows : — 

Tuberculosis, or Consumption. 

At one time, this disease was thought to be 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 41 

exceedingly uncommon amongst horses, but it is 
now well known that it is not at all uncommon. 

It must be admitted that it is not as frequently 
encountered in the horse as in the ox ; neverthe- 
less, it is now well known to the majority of 
veterinary surgeons. It is due to the bacillus 
tuberculosis. As far as present knowledge goes, 
it is an incurable malady in the horse. 

When a horse is affected with this complaint 
it begins gradually to lose condition, and its 
general health fails. 

There is not necessarily a cough, so frequent 
in human consumption, but there is a steady loss 
of flesh. 

In many cases there is excessive urination 
(staling), and the membranes of the eyelids 
become very pale. 

The temperature is slightly above the normal, 
and colic sometimes comes on. 

After death examination generally discloses 
tumour-like growths in the spleen (melt), and, 
it may be, similar new growths upon the lungs 
and their investments. It is best to destroy in 
cases of tuberculosis. 

Actinomycosis and Scirrhus Cord. 

This is an uncommon disease in horses, and 
when it does occur it attacks the tongue. The 



42 THE HORSE 

organ becomes enormously enlarged, and has a 
number of yellowish nodules upon it. There is 
a similar disease affecting the cord of geldings, 
often appearing soon after castration; in fact, 
infection usually occurs during this operation, if 
the organisms of the malady are present. Treat- 
ment must be left to a veterinary surgeon. 

Anthrax. 

This is a specific disease, arising through 
invasion of the system by germs, known as 
Bacilli Anthracis. 

Anthrax is widely distributed, but more pre- 
valent in some countries than others. It attacks 
cattle and horses, but is easily communicated to 
other animals and to man, either directly from 
the living animal or subject, or from its carcass, 
the offal, skin discharges, etc. 

In this country anthrax is not at all uncommon 
amongst cattle, but the stringent regulations of 
the Board of Agriculture are of material assistance 
in keeping down the disease, although the writer's 
experience is that very much more might be 
done towards checking this deadly complaint, if 
owners would only report to the nearest authority 
all sudden deaths of horses and cattle, for, un- 
questionably, cases of anthrax frequently escape 
the notice of officials. 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 43 

In Russia and India, especially in Russia, 
anthrax is very prevalent. It is known as 
' jaswa,' and the Siberian plague. 

It is amongst cattle and sheep in this country 
that anthrax is frequent, but horses are occasion- 
ally affected, particularly if an infected carcass 
has been cut up, and the discharges and fluids 
are allowed to be distributed about the premises. 
Pigs frequently contract the malady through 
feeding upon infected offal. Dogs and poultry 
sometimes suffer in a similar manner. 

In some instances cattle recover, but this is 
rather exceptional than otherwise. In man, 
anthrax is known as ' Malignant Pustule ' and 
Woolsorters' Disease, and has been given the 
latter name owing to the risk of infection run 
by those whose work is preparing woollen goods. 

In one form of anthrax the head and tongue 
become enormously swollen. In the horse it is 
the rule for anthrax to assume a very active form, 
death frequently taking place within a few hours 
of the onset of the malady. 

Acute inflammation of the bowels — denoted by 
severe pain in the belly — and collapse are usually 
present. 

If the owner of an animal has any reason to 
suspect the existence of this terrible complaint, 
no time ought to be lost in communicating with 

c 



44 THE HORSE 

the nearest local authority, because anthrax is a 
scheduled disease. 

Tetanus, or Lockjaw. 

This disease arises through a wound, and is 
due to infection by the germs of tetanus. 

These organisms are drumstick-shaped bodies, 
found in garden and other soils. They are ex- 
ceedingly minute, and can be seen only under a 
very high power of the microscope. 

At one time it was thought that this deadly 
malady could arise without the existence of a 
wound, but this theory is now exploded. 

A remarkable fact in connection with the 
germs of tetanus is that they do not enter the 
circulation, but remain at the seat of injury, and 
there manufacture their poison. 

Wounds of the feet and castration wounds 
are very often followed by the development of 
tetanus, and, when the disease appears after 
castration, no blame can be attached to the 
operator, because this is quite beyond his control. 

It is impossible to fix any incubative period 
for lockjaw following natural inoculation. A 
preventive and curative serum has been in 
use for some time now, but for the latter pur- 
pose it has not proved successful, in the writer's 
hands. 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 45 

There is a large percentage of deaths from 
this malady. Many cases recover without any 
medicinal treatment, and quietude is most im- 
portant. 

The leading symptoms of tetanus are: — Mus- 
cular spasms under the least excitement, and the 
throwing up of the head and the shooting out 
of the nictitating membrane (the thin auxiliary 
covering under the lids) over the globe of the 
eye, if the horse be touched under the chin. 

The jaws may or may not be locked, but in the 
majority of cases they are. The animal is still 
able to swallow liquids, but unable to masticate, 
so that food is seized, but does not pass beyond 
the entrance to the mouth. 

Internal temperature rises to the extent of two 
or three degrees as a rule, but the pulse is in 
a very unsettled condition, being exceedingly 
irritable and irregular. 

There is a general stiffness of the body and the 
tail, and, during spasms, the breathing is difficult, 
and very distressing to witness. Death sometimes 
occurs within twenty-four hours, but in other 
cases the animal may continue to live several 
weeks and then die. 

Mild attacks of this complaint sometimes occur, 
and the animal recovers, but, as previously stated, 
lockjaw is a very fatal disease. 



46 THE HOESE 

Management. — The patient must be kept ab- 
solutely quiet. Place the sufferer in a loose-box 
by itself, quite away from all horses. Sometimes 
benefit is derived by placing the animal in slings, 
but in other cases this only serves to irritate and 
annoy the sufferer. 

If a wound is discovered — it is sometimes 
difficult to find the channel through which the 
germs have gained an entrance into the body, 
or to trace the course of the poisons they dis- 
charge — the injury ought to be washed with 
powerful antiseptics, such as solution of chinosol, 
bichloride of mercury, etc. 

Although medicinal agents have little influence 
over this disease, it is advisable to have pro- 
fessional aid as soon as possible. 

When a horse is on the ground with this 
malady, the sooner it is shot the better. 

Glanders. 

This disease (due to' the Bacillus mallei) is of 
wide distribution, horses in almost all parts of 
the world suffering from it, but it is most pre- 
valent in cities, more especially where there is 
a constant interchange of the animals. 

Most horsemen are familiar with the term 
'Farcy/ yet usually fail to appreciate the full 
significance of this evil disease. It is but another 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 47 

manifestation of glanders, in which the skin and 
absorbents become specially implicated. 

Many years ago it was believed that farcy was 
a curable malady, and quack animal doctors used 
to give such drugs as bluestone, etc., thinking 
that these would, in course of time, effect a cure ; 
but the treatment, though it patched up the 
animals for a time, rendered them more liable 
to infect other horses. 

At one time glanders only was scheduled by 
the Board of Agriculture, but now, of course, 
farcy also is included. So far as veterinary 
surgeons are aware, glanders (and farcy) is an 
incurable malady, though a horse infected with 
the disease may continue to work for years. 

What is very dangerous is that an infected 
horse may appear free from disease. To work 
a glandered horse, to take it about the country 
or to keep it on premises, without due notification 
to the local authorities, renders the proprietor 
liable to fine or to imprisonment, and rightly so, 
when one considers the danger to humanity, to 
say nothing of that to other horses. 

Glanders may assume either acute or chronic 
forms, usually the last named. 

Formerly it was the custom to speak of acute 
and chronic farcy, but this distinction has fallen 
into disuse. In chronic glanders the animal has, 



48 THE HORSE 

as a rule, a discharge from the nostril — commonly 
from the left one— though this may be so slight 
as to escape notice. There is, very often, a cough, 
and a swelling of the glands beneath the jaw. 
Characteristic signs of the disease are circular, 
red-rimmed ulcers or sores within the nostril, 
but ulceration of the nostril is sometimes present 
in an allied disease called Epizootic Lymphangitis. 

If the skin is affected the pores become corded, 
and farcy buds or tumours appear and discharge 
blood-stained pus. In other cases a limb suddenly 
becomes enlarged and painful. The surest way 
of diagnosing glanders is afforded by the Mallein 
test, which has taken the place of the older 
method, that of inoculating an ass. Mallein will 
bring positive evidence of the disease, no matter 
how trifling the lesions in the lungs are. 

Isolation, and immediate notification to local 
authority, are the measures to adopt. 

Horse Distemper, or Influenza. 

Influenza, or horse distemper, is quite as common 
as the corresponding malady affecting the dog. 
It prevails at all seasons of the year, but spring 
and autumn are the seasons when the malady 
is most prevalent. 

Influenza is communicable from one horse to 
another, either by direct or by indirect means, and 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 49 

when a case occurs in a stud, most of the animals 
in the neighbourhood will contract the complaint, 
some in a severe, others in mild forms. 

1 Pink Eye ' is a severe form of influenza, the 
bright red and swollen condition of the membranes 
lining the eyelids giving it this distinctive title. 

Infection is often carried by horsekeepers or 
grooms from the sick animals to the healthy; 
and it is well that a man looking after the invalid 
or invalids should not at the same time attend 
to other horses. There is infection again in the 
vessels out of which the sick horse feeds — indeed, 
in all the stable appliances that come in contact 
with the animal ; and great care should be taken 
to keep these things separate. 

The question may be asked: 'Can a horse 
contract this complaint through breathing the 
air of the place where diseased horses are kept ? ' 

The answer to this is 'Yes/ it having been 
proved, experimentally, that infection does occur 
in this manner. 

The authors experience of influenza is that 
the severity of the disease in individual horses 
largely depends upon the constitutional condition 
of the animal at the time of infection, and upon 
the sanitary conditions of the stable ; and that 
these factors also play a very important part 
during convalescence. 



50 THE HORSE 

The horses of dealers are a good deal troubled 
with influenza ; in fact, dealers' stables are specially 
liable to become centres of infection owing to the 
constant interchange of the occupants. 

During the annual training of yeomanry, in- 
fluenza very often comes into a district after the 
horses return to their homes. 

It is a malady that follows the lines of traffic in 
horses, over land and sea, has been in existence 
for generations, and has every appearance of 
remaining. 

The incubative period is given as being from 
four to seven days. 

Symptoms. — In the earliest stages the animal is 
wanting in its usual vigour, the carman noticing 
that his horse does not work as freely as usual, 
but sweats easily on exertion. 

If a horse has been at work, it refuses its food, 
but seems very thirsty and done up. 

Very soon the horse has a cough, and a dis- 
charge from the nose, watery at first, then of a 
creamy consistence. 

The throat is sore, and the glands beneath the 
jaw a little fuller than in health. If temperature 
be taken, it will be found to range between 103 
and 106 F., being a little higher towards evening. 

Pulse is at first full, but soon becomes feeble 
owing to the prostrating nature of this disease. 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 51 

There is a marked loss of flesh even in a few days, 
and the horse looks tucked up at the flanks. 

The bowels are confined at the outset of illness, 
but later on diarrhoea often supervenes, and this 
tends further to weaken the patient, though it 
must be looked upon as a salutary process, initiated 
by nature to throw the poisonous material out of 
the system, as speedily as possible. The internal 
temperature may be very high one day, but fall 
almost to normal on the following day. 

From one to three weeks is about the average 
time this complaint lasts, but complications so 
frequently ensue that it is impossible to fix any 
particular time. 

Influenza has been described so far, by the 
writer, in its simple catarrhal form, but often 
such organs as the lungs and pleurae, the eyes, the 
liver, and the joints become implicated, and the 
issue is determined by the organs or structure 
involved in disease. 

Management, etc. — Isolate the diseased. Have 
a separate attendant to look after the sick horse, 
selecting the most reliable man on the premises. 
Some men are good nurses, others next to no use 
at all. 

Clothe body and throat, and, if nag horses, 
bandage limbs. 

Kub throat with stimulating liniment, and 



52 THE HORSE 

steam nasal passage night and morning by pour- 
ing boiling water over bran and then adding half 
an ounce of carbolic acid and the same quantity 
of turpentine. 

It will be better to have professional advice, 
for this is a disease that requires careful guidance, 
and lung complications may develop and take 
the owner unawares. In other words, influenza 
is liable to mislead a layman. 

Too much attention cannot be given to the 
housing of the sick. 

Pure air, free from draughts, and a nice, well- 
balanced temperature of the stable will help 
recovery. 

To drinking-water add half an ounce of Epsom 
salts and the same quantity of chlorate of potash 
night and morning. Give eggs and brandy, 
whisky, or claret if the patient is very depressed ; 
say, six eggs and half a teacupful of the stimulant 
three or four times a day. Milk, if the horse will 
take it, is better than water; if not, give cold 
water to drink, because this will help to lower the 
fever quicker than anything else. 

With reference to food : — In summer, grass or 
vetches, etc., are the best, but at other seasons, 
scalded oats, bran, and linseed gruel are all that 
is necessary. 

Give only in the smallest quantities, and don't 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 53 

leave before the patient anything that it does not 
eat. If food is left, it becomes smothered in the 
discharge from the nostrils, and the horse is put 
more than ever off its food. 

Strangles. 

This malady is almost as common as influenza, 
but is much more likely to attack colts than 
grown-up horses, though not uncommon in the 
last named. 

There is no doubt that a well-marked attack of 
strangles affords its victims a considerable degree 
of protection against a further attack. 

Strangles is communicable from one colt to 
another ; hence the reason why a whole drove of 
youngsters will become affected simultaneously. 

The incubative period is given as being from 
four to eight days, and the infection is said to 
enter by the respiratory tract, passing thence into 
the lymph glands or absorbents. 

Strangles (also called cut-throat) in its simplest 
— and, fortunately commonest — form, is a com- 
paratively mild complaint, recovery usually start- 
ing when the abscess beneath the jaw bursts. 
Internal abscesses sometimes form, and cause 
death either at the time of attack, or at a subse- 
quent period. 

Symptoms. — For some time before this disease 



54 THE HORSE 

may be recognised, the animal appears to be out 
of sorts, and, in the language of horsemen, is 
' breeding strangles ' — an expressive term. 

There is a discharge from the nose ; the pulse 
is quickened, and the temperature rises two or 
three degrees. 

Very soon a swelling appears beneath the jaw, 
and this gradually increases in size until it either 
ruptures itself, or is lanced. The lancing, which 
requires professional assistance, gives the better 
result. 

A horse, when it shows symptoms of strangles, 
should be housed and isolated, but if a number 
of colts are together, it is just as well to let the 
malady run its course amongst them. 

They should, however, be kept in straw yards, 
and not exposed to the hardships of wintry 
weather. 

It is advisable to apply fomentations, or blisters, 
to the neck ; for convenience, the last named. 

Sometimes a large abscess forms at the point of 
the shoulder, and this must be lanced at maturity. 
In other cases pus forms at several points along 
the lower border of the neck, retarding recovery. 

Diseases Occurring Abroad— Surra. 

Surra is a disease that occurs in certain parts 
of India, more especially in low-lying or swampy 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 55 

districts. It attacks horses, camels, goats, dogs, 
donkeys, elephants, etc. Rats and bandicoots 
have the malady in a mild form, and may trans- 
mit it to other animals. It is due to a low form 
of vegetable life — a flagellated infusorian, known 
as the Trypanosoma Evansii, the suffix being 
added in honour of the discoverer, Veterinary 
Surgeon Evans. 

Surra is thought to be conveyed into the system 
by water, grass, etc., or through the excrement of 
rodents, introduced into the forage of horses. 

A previous attack does not, so it is said, confer 
immunity. 

The average duration of surra is six or seven 
weeks, and the incubative period about one 
week. 

The leading symptom in this disease is the 
gradual, though quick, wasting of the muscles, 
and the fever. 

If the blood is examined, microscopically, the 
red cells will be found wanting in their tendency 
to form rouleaux, and the leucocytes greatly 
increased in number. 

It is a very fatal disease, but arsenic appears to 
have some control over the malady. 

Treatment. — Give from half to one ounce of 
Fowler s solution of arsenic night and morning, 
or from two to six grains of arsenious acid in food 



56 THE HOUSE 

daily, and, at the end of three weeks, give a pur- 
gative ball. 

Preventive treatment must be directed towards 
exclusion of anything likely to contain the germs 
of the disease. 

Cape Horse Sickness. 

This has always been a troublesome complaint 
amongst the horses of South Africa, and in other 
parts, such as the Soudan. 

It is a very fatal malady, killing quickly ; and 
it has received a great deal of attention by Bac- 
teriologists, who have done much good work in 
connection with it. 

Native horses are not so liable to suffer as 
imported ones, and the frosty season is a powerful 
factor in curtailing the ravages wrought by this 
disease at certain other periods, and in particular 
localities. 

Low-lying and swampy ground is very favour- 
able towards the existence of Cape horse sickness. 

Three forms of Cape horse sickness are recog- 
nised: — The pulmonary, the cedematous (big head), 
and the glossal or blue-tongue disease. 

Symptoms. — Rigors, followed by a rise of tem- 
perature or fever. Very soon fluid begins to run 
from the nostrils, as a frothy spume, coming from 
the bronchial tubes. 



SPECIFIC DISEASES 57 

The pits above the eyes are said to bulge. 

The patient does not usually live many hours 
in this condition. 

In the oedematous form, the head becomes 
greatly enlarged, and, in blue tongue, the tongue 
livid and swollen. 

The best preventive measure appears to be that 
of keeping animals in kraal until the dew has 
been dried off the grass. 

The moist herbage evidently contains the virus 
of Cape horse sickness. 

Epizootic Lymphangitis. 

This complaint is infectious, and not unlike 
farcy, abscesses forming in the skin, bursting, and 
discharging an ichorous-looking pus, capable of 
communicating the disease to other horses, asses, 
and mules. A frequent situation to see the 
nodules or ulcers is along the inner side of the 
forearm, inside the thighs, flanks, back withers, 
etc. The nasal mucous membrane, and that lining 
the eyelids, are sometimes ulcerated. 

Three months is given as the incubative period, 
infection taking place at an abrasion or a wound. 
It is due to a cryptococcus or fungus, not alto- 
gether unlike the yeast-plant. 

The Board of Agriculture have scheduled this 



58 THE HORSE 

malady, thus preventing it from gaining ground 
in this country. 

When the Mallein test is used, there is no local, 
or constitutional, reaction, and this enables the 
observer to distinguish the disease from glanders. 
The disease is unlike glanders in another respect ; 
it can be cured, if taken in time, though relapses 
frequently occur. 

When a case is suspected, the animal should at 
once be isolated, and a report made to the nearest 
local authority. 

In the milder cases of this disease it is advis- 
able to consult a veterinary surgeon, but when 
the constitution is undermined with it, probably 
the most economical method of dealing with it is 
to have the animal destroyed. 



STOMACH AND BOWELS 59 



CHAPTER IV 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS 

Inflammation of the Bowels. 

The horse frequently suffers from inflammation 
of the bowels, proceeding from internal irritation 
(worms, etc.), but very commonly the result of 
the twisting or telescoping of some portion of the 
bowels. Strangulation of the gut, through rup- 
ture, is not uncommonly a cause of intestinal 
(bowel) inflammation. Puncture of the belly, and 
blows from without, sometimes produce it. 

Again, inflammation may be due to the accumu- 
lation of food material in the bowels, or to foreign 
growths. In the writer's opinion, inflamma- 
tion of the bowels in the horse is hardly ever 
brought on through cold, or damp. Nor does he 
think that colic, as a purely spasmodic affection 
from the beginning, ever ends in bowel inflam- 
mation. There is no evidence to show one that 
this has ever taken place. It is purely a matter 
of assumption. 

D 



60 THE HORSE 

Poisons sometimes cause bowel inflammation, 
associated with an inflamed condition of the 
stomach. In anthrax, the bowels may participate 
and become inflamed. In a record of one 
hundred and twenty cases of bowel inflamma- 
tion, eighty-eight were said to be due to the 
irritation of worms, the chief mischief-maker 
being the blood-sucking worm, or four-spined 
strongyle. 

The inflammation is commonly in the large 
bowels, and begins, usually, in the lining mem- 
brane of the gut, but in twist, etc., the whole 
thickness of the bowel participates equally. 

Symptoms. — Pain in the belly, but, unlike that 
of simple colic, it is continuous, seldom having 
intervals of remission. Pain when the belly is 
pressed. The pulse is small, very hard, and 
quick. Distressed look in the face, cold sweats, 
writhing in pain, and the small, hard pulse, are 
symptoms, the significance of which few laymen 
should mistake. The incessant pawing of the 
ground, looking at the flanks, pressing the hind 
quarters against the wall, and, in some instances, 
attempts to climb the latter, are additional indi- 
cations of inflammation of the bowels. The two 
latter signs sometimes indicate a twisted, or tele- 
scoped gut. 

The symptoms are, usually, rapidly progressive 



STOMACH AND BOWELS 61 

until a certain stage, when the animal may 
become apparently free from pain, and will 
perhaps take a little food. The layman must 
not be deceived by this. When an animal suffer- 
ing in the manner indicated suddenly becomes 
free from pain, it is the signal of approaching 
death. Here the absence of pain implies mortifi- 
cation (death) of some portion of the bowel. The 
anxiety of countenance, cold sweats, and running- 
down pulse tell a discerning man that the end 
is near. 

Inflammation of the bowels is usually fatal, 
particularly if due to twist or intussusception (the 
doubling back of one part of the intestines into 
another). The limbs should be hand -rubbed, 
then bandaged, and a deep, clean straw bed laid 
down. Send for professional aid at once. 

Purgatives should never be given to a horse 
suffering from pain within the belly until it is 
certain that the cause of the pain is through 
impaction with food materials. Externally, the 
most useful application, in our opinion, is mustard 
paste rubbed over the face and sides of the 
abdomen. Half an hour afterwards, the paste 
can be washed off, and the surface rubbed 
with a liniment consisting of equal parts of 
laudanum, tincture of capsicum, and opodeldoc. 
Now clothe the belly and loins with stout woollen 



62 THE HORSE 

rugs. If the pain seems to be really lessened, 
and there be other improvements, the mustard 
can be repeated. 

Colic. 

The terms colic and gripes, etc., are used when 
a horse has an attack of belly-ache, and very 
often, by the uninformed, when the animal has 
inflammation of the bowels, the two ailments 
being indicated by pain in the belly, sweating, 
and rolling. 

Diseases of other organs sometimes give rise to 
colicky pains, to which the term 'false' colic is 
sometimes applied. Colic, as a simple functional 
disturbance, is exceedingly common ; in fact, the 
most frequent disorder from which the horse 
suffers. 

There is a form of colic to which the prefix 
' flatulent ' is added, as indicative of an accumula- 
tion of gas in stomach and bowels, the product 
of fermentative changes, through perversion of 
digestive functions. The simple term for this 
is ' wind.' 

If this gaseous accumulation is great, death 
may be brought about through suffocation, and 
this is exactly what does frequently happen. 

Hence, it is expedient to send for a veterinary 
surgeon directly a horse is attacked with pain in 



STOMACH AND BOWELS 63 

the belly, for one can never say what course the 
complaint may take. 

In some cases colic passes off without any 
treatment, but in other instances no relief is 
afforded until professional skill has been taxed 
to the utmost. 

For the relief of flatulent colic the veterinary 
surgeon has often to employ surgical measures, 
and may even then fail. Colic arises through a 
variety of causes : — drinking cold water to excess 
when overheated ; the use of boiled foods, more 
particularly those prepared in leaden vessels; 
worms; sudden change of food, such as from 
corn to grass ; the abuse of purgative medicine ; 
excess of food ; indigestible food, or food unsuit- 
able in other ways ; concretions, etc. 

A common cause of flatulent colic is turning 
a horse out to pasture on clover, etc., when the 
latter is rich in moisture, as happens before 
evaporation of the dew in the morning. The 
danger is the greater when the digestive system 
is not in tone for the reception of succulent 
herbage. 

The symptoms of colic are : — A sudden attack 
of pain in the belly; rising and lying; rolling; 
sweating when pain is acute ; intervals of ease of 
variable duration; quick, irregular pulse; diffi- 
culty of urination. 



64 THE HORSE 

The latter sign usually misleads the attendant, 
who believes that the animal has some ' stoppage 
of water.' For a time this is the case, the neck 
of the bladder participating in the spasmodic 
muscular contraction of the bowels. 

If the pain be due to ' wind/ the sides (above 
the flank) will be found to bulge, and to yield a 
drum-like sound when struck with the hand. In 
addition to this, the breathing becomes quickened 
and oppressed. 

Unless relief be afforded, all these symptoms 
increase in severity, and sometimes the pain con- 
tinues for days, or even several weeks, in a 
subdued form. 

In many cases of colic it is advisable to give 
a purgative, whereas in others this may be detri- 
mental; the author therefore advises that, if 
possible, professional aid be obtained. 

If this cannot be had, give a pint of linseed 
oil, two ounces of spirit of turpentine, and two 
ounces of sulphuric aether. 

The draught can be repeated in three hours' 
time, using half the quantity of oil and turpen- 
tine. 

A teacupful of gin, and a tablespoonful of 
ginger, given in a pint of tepid ale, is of service 
in some instances. 



STOMACH AND BOWELS 65 

An effort must be made to ascertain, and, if 
possible, remove the cause of the trouble. 

If the animal is inclined to partake of any 
food, a little scalded bran and linseed, with a 
small quantity of oats added, will be suitable 
for the first few days. 

Hot fomentations to the belly are frequently 
of service, but require to be properly applied to 
become efficacious. As previously stated, the 
treatment of colic varies in accordance with the 
causes that have led to it, and upon this depends 
the safety of the medicaments employed. 



Concretions. 

The intestinal tract often contains one or more 
foreign bodies, in the form of variable-sized con- 
cretions or stones, formed by deposition — layer 
upon layer — of calcareous materials around a 
central nucleus (as a rule of some foreign sub- 
stance). 

In some cases these concretions are lodged 
within the stomach. Enormous concretions have 
been removed after death, either singly, or in 
number. 

The peristaltic movements of the bowels fre- 
quently cause these stones to wander, such move- 



66 THE HOESE 

ments being coincident with an attack of colic. 
The worst concretions are those about the size 
of a cricket-ball, because they may get jammed, 
stretch the wall of the gut, and cause it to 
mortify at the seat of obstruction. 

When endeavouring to make a diagnosis of 
colic, it is necessary to bear in mind the possi- 
bility of these stones as a cause. They are some- 
times passed per anus. 

Internal Parasites or Worms. 

Like other animals, the horse is subject to 
infestation by various species of worms, and larval 
forms of other pernicious pests. A common form 
of parasites, in their larval or resting stage, are 
what are known as 'Bots,' produced from the 
eggs of the Horse-bee or Bot-fly (Gastrophilus 
Equi). These eggs are of minute size, and de- 
posited about the knees, shoulders, etc., during 
the summer, and are attached to the hairs by 
some sticky substance. They are not unlike 
' Nits ' in appearance. 

In all probability they are taken into the 
stomach through the animal licking or biting 
at the regions where the eggs are attached. 

In June and July the flies are about. These 
' Horse-bots ' gradually undergo certain changes 
in the stomach, fixing themselves to the lining 



STOMACH AND BOWELS 67 

of it, mostly to that portion known as the gullet 
end, having a cuticular or non-digestive lining. 

There are, however, numerous exceptions to 
this rule, the digestive portion sometimes being 
the seat of their location, or even the first portion 
(duodenum) of the bowels. When here, they 
have been, in certain instances, the cause of 
the animal's death. 

The bots remain in the horse's stomach through- 
out the winter, until the following spring. 

They now loosen their hold, and are cast out 
along with the eject, remaining more or less 
buried in the ground, until such time as they 
develop into the full-blown Horse- bo t fly, ready 
to pass through the same cycle of their existence. 

A very common form of round worm infesting 
the bowels of the horse is that known (technically 
at any rate) as Ascaris Megalocephala, and these 
worms are commonly passed along with the 
ejectementa. 

A few of them do very little harm, but if 
numerous, or existing with large quantities 
(gallons) of flat worm, they do a great deal of 
injury to the constitution, and even cause death. 

There is a short red worm known as the four- 
spined Strongyle (Strongylus tetracanthus) that 
infests horses and colts. The latter gradually 
lose condition, many dying. 



68 THE HORSE 

These worms reside in the wall of the gut, 
during a portion of their existence. 

Tonics are, as a rule, necessary under these 
circumstances. 

Molassine meal is spoken highly of as a food 
that causes speedy expulsion of worms, so that 
this can be given. It will also lead to an im- 
provement of the animal's condition. Common 
salt (tablespoonful doses), together with a tea- 
spoonful of powdered copperas, mixed with wet 
bran mashes, is a remedy for worms. 

As a rule, it will be better to seek the advice 
of a veterinary surgeon. 

Diarrhoea and Dysentery. 

Diarrhoea, or the expulsion of liquid excrement, 
sometimes occurs in horses, but it is much more 
frequently observed in foals, many of the latter 
dying through this cause. 

It must be borne in mind that diarrhoea is 
merely symptomatic of some abnormal state of 
the bowels, and may be either functional, or else 
the result of organic changes. 

When the liquid evacuations are stained with 
blood, it is usual to speak of the disease as 
dysentery, though the latter usually depends upon 
ulceration of the lower end of the bowel for its 
existence. 



STOMACH AND BOWELS 69 

Treatment necessarily varies with the cause of 
the ailment. In the case of a foal with its dam, 
tablespoonful doses of baking soda should be put 
in the mare's food, and thirty grains of grey powder 
combined with twenty grains of Dover's powder 
can be given three times a day, by placing the 
dry powder on the foal's tongue. 



70 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER V 

LIVER COMPLAINTS 

The horse does not appear to suffer so fre- 
quently from liver complaints as do men, cattle, 
and dogs, though it is by no means free from 
diseases and disorders of this important digestive 
gland. That the liver may be affected by any 
of the diseases attacking other parts of the horse 
is of course well known, but such does not con- 
stitute an independent class of liver disorders. 

Cirrhosis of the Liver — Indurated Liver. 

In postmortem examination the liver is occa- 
sionally found to be extremely enlarged and greatly 
increased in weight, sometimes to the extent of 
several score pounds. 

In most, but not necessarily in all, cases of 
induration of the liver the organ is enlarged. 
This condition cannot be diagnosed during life. 

Bilious Fever. 

The term 'bilious fever' is sometimes used to 



LIVER COMPLAINTS 71 

express a form of influenza accompanied by liver 
disturbance. 

In Cape Colony there is a special form of 
'bilious fever/ prevailing, it is said, as an inde- 
pendent complaint. 

The leading symptoms are a rise in tempera- 
ture, yellowness of the visible mucous membranes, 
prostration, loss of appetite, and constipation, 
together with a dry and pasty condition of the 
tongue and mouth. 

In many cases whole studs of horses are 
attacked at the same time, and a number of 
animals die from this disease. 

The pulse is usually slow and feeble, and the 
animal seems completely prostrated. In nearly 
every respect these symptoms are precisely similar 
to the hepatic or 'bilious' form of influenza 
observed amongst the horses of our own country. 

Treatment. — As soon as ever this complaint 
makes its appearance in a stud, the diseased 
should be immediately isolated, and measures 
adopted to curtail the spread of the malady. 

When once this complaint has gained a footing, 
it is practically impossible to stamp it out, for 
it is a disease that will run its course, and does 
not abate till the force of the poison has expended 
itself. 

In addition to isolation of the diseased, it is 



72 THE HORSE 

expedient that a separate attendant should look 
after the ailing stock only, otherwise the nurse 
will transfer the malady from sick to healthy. 

The sick animals must be fed on a plain, non- 
stimulating diet, such as carrots, green food, bran, 
milk and eggs, with or without brandy, or other 
suitable stimulant. 

The appetite requires coaxing, therefore it is 
necessary to give but the smallest quantity of 
food, taking away any surplus as soon as the 
animal has finished with it. Never leave excess 
of food before a sick animal, no matter what 
may be the nature of the complaint. To relieve 
the thirst, and to allay the feverish condition of 
the system, add one ounce of bicarbonate of soda 
to the drinking-water, and, if the bowels are not 
loose, in addition to this dissolve one ounce of 
Epsom salts in the same water, night and morn- 
ing. In most cases it is advisable to allow small 
doses of powdered sal-ammoniac in the water, and 
three to four drachms of this drug may be mixed 
with the food daily, or else in water, and given at 
midday. A ball, composed of twenty grains of 
calomel, one drachm of extract of belladonna, 
combined with three drachms of powdered Bar- 
badoes aloes, and sufficient powdered gentian and 
treacle to form a ball, can, with advantage, be 
administered, and repeated in half these doses, 



LIVER COMPLAINTS 73 

if needful. In obstinate cases it is often neces- 
sary to place hot applications over the region 
of the liver. For this purpose there is nothing 
more stimulating than a mustard and linseed 
meal plaster. 

Mix into a cream equal parts of mustard and 
linseed meal, and then apply over the region of 
the liver, i.e. on the right side just behind the 
last rib, in an upward and downward direction, 
about eighteen inches by one foot broad. 

Gall Stones and Jaundice. 

The absence of a gall receptacle or bladder 
does not admit of the formation of gall-stones 
in the liver, but these stones have been found 
in the bile-duct after death. 

Their presence in this situation necessarily 
interferes with the free flow of bile into the 
intestinal canal, and may cause congestion of 
the liver. They may, too, but only very rarely, 
be the cause of colic in the horse. These stones 
are formed by the growing, layer upon layer, of 
inspissated bile-products around some foreign 
substance. 

Jaundice, strictly speaking, means a yellow 
condition, and is but symptomatic of liver de- 
rangement, or disease of this organ. 



74 THE HORSE 

For instance, in 'bilious fever' the animal is 
'jaundiced/ 

Multifarious liver derangements are capable of 
causing this condition. 

In some instances one will see a horse with 
yellowness of the mucous membranes and a 
yellow tint upon the white of the eyes. In 
addition to this, the animal seems sluggish and 
unable to perform its work in a satisfactory 
manner. 

The inference, under these circumstances, is 
that the 'horse has got a liver/ as the vulgar 
expression goes. 

The functions of the liver have, through some 
cause or causes unknown, become perverted, 
resulting in the entrance of biliary (or bile) com- 
pounds into the blood; hence the discoloured 
(saffroned) mucous membranes. 

Treatment. — Horse must be allowed gentle 
exercise. Give a drachm of calomel along with 
five drachms aloes ball. Mix an ounce of baking 
soda with food, or water, three times per day. 
Also give a diuretic ball, and repeat latter in four 
days. 

Feed on grass, bran, and scalded oats. 



URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS 75 



CHAPTER VI 

AFFECTIONS OF THE URINARY AND 
GENERATIVE ORGANS 

The urinary apparatus comprises the right and 
left kidneys, with tubes {ureters) leading from 
them into the bladder ; the bladder ; and a tube 
{urethra) conducting the water from the latter 
to outside. 

Above the kidneys there are two bodies known 
as the suprarenal capsules. 

The kidneys serve to secrete the urine, and are 
situated beneath the loins. The right kidney 
weighs about twenty-seven ounces, and left twenty- 
five ounces. The former lies behind and under the 
last pair of ribs, whilst the left one is some two 
inches farther back. 

Each kidney has an opaque covering over it. 
These are the capsular membranes, which in their 
turn are frequently surrounded by fat. After the 
urine has been separated from the blood within 
the kidneys, it is conducted by the ureters into 
the bladder, to be subsequently expelled through 
the urethra. In the horse the latter is long, 

E 



76 THE HOUSE 

whilst in the mare it is short. In order to pre- 
vent the involuntary escape of urine from the 
bladder, there are numerous constricting fibres 
encircling the neck of it. It is by the relaxation 
of these and contraction of the walls of the organ 
that the urine is aided in its expulsion. 



Kidneys, Inflammation of. 

We purpose only to mention this diseased con- 
dition, for, if we did more, we should be infringing 
the title of the work. 

This malady can be either of an acute or of 
a chronic nature. The horse may show signs of 
pain when the loins are pressed; colic, a quick 
and hard pulse, suppression of urinary secretion, 
and a urinous odour emitted from the skin are 
other symptoms. 

Professional aid should be sought as speedily as 
possible. 

Kidneys, Stone or Gravel within. 

Sometimes a stone (calculus) or deposit of 
gravel is formed within the dilated (pelvis) por- 
tion of the kidney. The presence of stone leads 
to difficult or painful urination, the act of which 
may be accompanied by the discharge of blood. 



URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS 77 

Stone in the Bladder. 

A calculus (calculi in the plural) within the 
bladder is not a very uncommon cause of obstruc- 
tion to urination. 

The mere presence of stone in the bladder does 
not necessarily imply that its formation has taken 
place within that organ. It is possible that the 
stone, when small, may have been handed on 
from the kidneys or their tubes, but its subse- 
quent increase in size is favoured by its presence 
within the bladder. 

An operation known as ' lithotomy ' is practised 
for the removal of stone. 

Inflammation of the Bladder. 

Stone in the bladder, and the abuse of such 
drugs as turpentine and Spanish-fly, are liable to 
produce inflammation of the mucous lining of 
this organ. 

Pain in the belly and frequent attempts at 
urination are amongst other symptoms of this 
diseased condition. 

Irritability of the Bladder. 

We believe that it is possible for the lining 
membrane of the bladder to be in an irritable 
condition without the presence of actual inflam- 
mation. 



78 THE HOKSE 

Symptoms. — Frequent straining, accompanied 
by the passage of only a small quantity of urine. 
The degree of pain is but slight, and may con- 
tinue for days or weeks, intercurrent with the 
small outflow of urine. General unthriftiness and 
loss of vigour are additional signs. 

Treatment. — Give an ounce of sanmetto in 
half a pint of water night and morning. 

Strangury. 

In this affection the urine is passed drop by 
drop. It is but a symptom of some other 
diseased condition, and can only be appropriately 
treated when its significance is understood. 

Incontinence of Urine. 

This means inability to retain the urine. Irrita- 
bility of, and paralysis of, the bladder are causes. 

In the foal the urine is occasionally seen drib- 
bling away at the navel opening. This is due to 
the urachus (normally sealed up before birth) 
remaining open and allowing the escape of the 
liquid. In every instance the cause should be, 
if possible, determined before treatment is at- 
tempted. For the open urachus in foals, the 
animal should be cast, and mouth of the vessel 
touched with the point of a red-hot iron, sub- 



URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS 79 

sequently a little blistering ointment should be 
rubbed well in around the navel. 

Blood in, and Blood-stained, Urine. 

Blood may be passed as blood at the time of, 
before, or after, urination, and it may come 
from the kidneys, the kidney tubes (ureters), 
the bladder, the bladder tube (urethra), or the 
generative organs. 

In a disease known as ' azoturia,' the colouring 
matter of the blood cells is expelled with the 
urine, and causes it to have a coffee-like colour. 

Mucous, pus, etc., are amongst other abnormali- 
ties of the urine, in disease. 

Sheath Swollen. 

The sheath protecting the penis is frequently 
swollen after castration, more rarely through in- 
jury. When from the former cause, as a rule 
there need be little cause for alarm. Exercise 
and laxative diet usually suffices to bring the 
part into its normal condition. If the swelling 
prevents the penis from being extruded in the 
act of urination, rub the sheath for half an hour 
with camphorated belladonna ointment (one 
drachm of camphor and one ounce of bella- 
donna ointment). If this fails to afford relief, 
it is possible that the sheath will require scari- 



80 THE HORSE 

fying, for which operation the surgeon will be 
necessary. Perhaps a dose of physic may be 
needed. Injuries must be treated in accordance 
with their nature. 

Premature Birth— Picked or Slipped Foal. 

It is convenient to speak of a foal's birth as 
being premature when it happens after the sixth 
or seventh month, yet within two or three weeks 
of the full time. The distinction between a pre- 
mature birth and abortion (miscarriage) is an 
important matter. 

Delay in the delivery — as in full time — of a 
prematurely born foal usually means death to 
the little creature. Prompt delivery is necessary. 
The causes of the premature expulsion of the 
foetus are varied, and very often difficult, or 
impossible to determine. 

The abuse of purgatives, over -exertion, the 
ingestion of herbage, or excitement, will have 
an injurious effect upon the womb. Both in 
premature birth, and in abortion, the placental 
membrane (cleansing) is commonly retained. Its 
immediate removal — calling for surgical skill — is 
of vital importance. 

Perfect quietude, and absolute regard for clean- 
liness, are demanded, if a successful issue is hoped 
for. 



URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS 81 

Abortion. 

If the foal is expelled from the womb before 
six months are up, it may be called an ' abortion.' 
The aborted foal is either still-born or succumbs 
shortly afterwards. 

The ninth week and fifth month seem to be the 
periods at which many mares abort, so that par- 
ticular care must be exercised about these times. 
An abortion may happen, and yet the owner 
know nothing about it. A slight secretion of 
watery milk, and the presence of the immature 
foetus upon the ground, will, in other cases, be 
the only signs. 

The constitutional disturbance intercurrent 
with abortion is slight compared with that often 
arising during premature delivery. 

Normal Labour. 

The mare may either stand up or lie down 
during the act of foaling. The onset of the 
labour is denoted by fugitive pains in the belly 
(womb). These pains gradually become stronger, 
and the intervals of ease diminish. As the pains 
increase, the membranes covering the foal sepa- 
rate from the lining of the womb, ultimately 
appearing externally as the so-called water-bag. 
A full water-bag is regarded as a good sign. 



82 THE HORSE 

If the foal is born with the envelopes around 
it, then it is necessary to free it from these at 
once. 

It is the contraction of the womb, together 
with that of the midriff and abdominal muscles, 
which, if the presentation is normal, causes ex- 
pulsion of the foal. The cleansing ought not to 
be allowed to remain after twenty-four hours. 
Quietude, warm and sloppy diet, and a clean 
loose- box are essential during labour. If the 
mare seems to have any difficulty, then by all 
means obtain skilful advice immediately. Don't 
interfere, or allow unskilful interference. 

(Estrum. 

The popular terms are 'heat/ 'use/ 'rut/ 
'season/ etc. Spring is the usual time, but in 
Scotland foals are born later than in the south. 
A good time of having the mare served is about 
ten days after she has foaled. Non-pregnant 
mares come in season about every three weeks. 
When a mare has been served, if she 'holds/ 
she will not come in use again until next spring, 
though some mares do so, and yet prove in foal. 

Vagina, discharge from. 

A discharge from the vaginal opening can arise 
from various parts of the generative tract, and a 



URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS 83 

knowledge, both, of the nature of the flux, and of 
the part from which it comes, is essential before 
proper treatment can be carried out. Disease of 
the womb, presence of morbid growths, etc., are 
amongst the causes. In such cases it is always 
advisable to obtain professional assistance with as 
little delay as possible. 



84 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER VII 

CHOREA, OH ST. VITUS' DANCE 

(Shivering). 

This appears to be a nervous disorder, charac- 
terised by an irregular convulsive action of the 
voluntary and involuntary muscles of the limbs 
and tail, etc. 

The term 'shivering' — the animal affected 
being a ' shiverer ' — is commonly used to indicate 
this disease. It is an unsoundness, but often 
very difficult of detection. 

It is chiefly, but not necessarily, manifest when 
the animal is made to back, or is turned suddenly 
round. 'Cute horse-dealers, having a 'shiverer' 
to sell, will try to avoid turning the animal 
suddenly round before the unwary purchaser. 

By some, chorea is regarded as a functional, 
and by others as an organic, disease of some 
portion of the nervous system. In some cases we 
believe it to be associated with a heart affection. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis. — Back the animal, 
and at the same time keep your eyes on the tail 
and quarters, and you will most likely see shiver- 
ing or quivering and elevation of tail. 



CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS' DANCE 85 

Sometimes shivering is detected after a long 
journey, or may perhaps be brought out by 
touching the animal above the stifle, or by giving 
the foot a sharp tap. 

Another plan is to place the animal in a stall, 
and make him pass from side to side. 

Shivers frequently make their disease known 
whilst being shod. Horses which have been 
docked very short often raise their tails a little, 
but this is not done spasmodically as in a case 
of shivering. Care must be exercised. Shivering 
often comes out after drinking. When there is 
any doubt as to the animal being a 'shiverer,' 
keep it at work as much as possible, and then 
look for evidence on the following day. 

Treatment. — As far as we are aware, any 
treatment for this malady in the horse is utterly 
useless. 

String-Halt. 

This disease is of frequent occurrence in the 
horse, especially amongst the medium and lighter 
breeds. It is characterised by the involuntary 
uplifting of a fore or hind limb or limbs, and 
constitutes unsoundness. The pathology of the 
malady is somewhat obscure, though no doubt 
the causes of string-halt are variable. Some- 
times the limb is held up in a flexed manner for 



86 THE HORSE 

a considerable time, and then let down with great 
force. In many instances string-halt is only seen 
when the horse executes certain movements, 
whilst in the more severe cases it is evident 
during each step the horse takes. 



Paralysis. 

This is but a symptom of some diseased or 
disordered condition, and the horse is often the 
subject of paralysis. 

It is usual to speak of the paralytic state in 
terms of 'complete' and 'partial/ in accordance 
with the area over which the animal has lost 
control. 

Broadly speaking, we may say that almost any 
organ in the body may become paralysed; thus 
we find the tongue, side of the face, eye, brain, 
larynx, gullet, bladder, penis, etc., the occa- 
sional seat of paralysis. It will at once be 
obvious that the causes and treatment are neces- 
sarily very variable. 

What is called Apoplexy is really paralysis of 
the Brain; while eye paralysis comes under 
Amaurosis, or Glass Eye (which see). For 
paralysis of larynx, see Roaring. Fracture of the 
vertebra will cause sudden paralysis in parts 
behind the seat of the fracture (see Fractures). 



CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS' DANCE 87 

Again, in a disease known as 'Azoturia' (see 
this), the animal is suddenly paralysed. 

Rheumatism is an occasional cause of paralysis. 
Tumours pressing upon the brain or spinal cord, 
and depressed pieces of bone, etc., are liable to 
produce paralysis. In short, paralysis is a com- 
mon symptom of a multitude of ailments. 

The diagnosis must be based upon the history 
of the case, upon which the treatment will depend. 

Delirium. 

This is but a symptom of disease or disorder, 
and it may come on during the course of various 
affections, though its presence is always indica- 
tive of the brain, its coverings, or both, being 
involved in the disease. Injuries to the skull, 
disordered digestion, and certain specific (i.e. due 
to special causes) fevers may all be accompanied 
by symptoms of delirium. 

A delirious horse is wild and restless, moves 
round and round his box, sweats, has staring and 
blood-shot eyes, and is so violent at times that, 
not only does he injure his own body, but renders 
approach dangerous. 

The treatment will depend upon the cause. 



88 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER VIII 

NON-CLASSIFIED AILMENTS 

Diabetes. 

In common with other animals and the human 
being, horses are liable to suffer from diabetes, 
either as a simple functional disorder, or as one 
in which the urine contains sugar. In most 
instances this simple form of diabetes or excessive 
discharge of urine is of dietetic origin, being 
brought on through feeding the animals on 
damaged fodder, such as musty or mow-burned 
hay, musty oats, etc. 

In tuberculosis there is, sometimes, profuse 
urination, but this is different from the simple 
manifestation now being considered. The dia- 
gnostic signs of diabetes are (a) excessive urina- 
tion ; (6) great thirst ; (c) depraved appetite. The 
urine is of low specific gravity and pale, and the 
mucous membranes also are pale. 

In the saccharine or sugary form of diabetes 
the urine is more highly coloured and of higher 
specific gravity. 

Treatment. — Withdraw the damaged fodder, 



NON-CLASSIFIED AILMENTS 89 

and matters will usually come all right. Consult 
a veterinary surgeon, and he will prescribe suitable 
remedies. If not convenient to consult him, give 
thirty grains of iodine in bolus daily, or half an 
ounce of tincture of iodine in water daily. 

Azoturia. 

At one time this disease was referred to under the 
title of nitrogenous urine, because it was thought 
that there was an abnormal amount of urea in 
the urine. This theory has exploded. 

It is a malady that generally shows itself after 
a horse has been kept in the stable for a few days, 
though it has been fed just as liberally as when 
in full work, but the symptoms do not as a rule 
develop until the animal begins to take exercise, 
though there are said to be exceptions. 

All classes of horses are equally subject to the 
complaint, and there are usually a considerable 
number of deaths from azoturia. 

After an attack, the affected muscles begin to 
waste. 

The complaint comes on quite suddenly, and 
the animal seems in danger of tumbling to the 
ground ; in fact, it sometimes happens that the 
patient has to be brought home in an ambulance 
or float. Some attacks are so slight that the 
patient has quite recovered in two or three days, 



90 THE HOUSE 

whereas others are just as severe. When a horse 
is on the ground, the hope of recovery taking 
place is only small. 

The animal loses control of the muscles either 
of the hind or fore quarters, most frequently the 
former. 

When the affected quarter is examined, the 
muscles will be found as hard as boards, and in a 
state of tonic contraction. The most positive 
sign of the presence of azoturia is that obtained 
from the appearance of the urine. 

It is nearly always coffee-coloured, though 
sometimes the colour is practically normal. 

This evidence is not usually obtained until the 
urine has been withdrawn by the catheter, and 
this necessitates professional skill, hence the 
advisability of obtaining it with the least possible 
delay. A dose of physic may be given, and the 
animal put in the slings meanwhile. 

Lymphangitis, or Weed. 

The terms ' a shoot of cold ' and ' Monday 
morning disease' are frequently applied to this 
complaint, which is an exceedingly common one 
all over this country. 

It is a disease that affects the absorbent glands, 
either beneath the arm, or else those of the 
thighs, but, in the majority of instances, the latter. 



NON-CLASSIFIED AILMENTS 91 

Commonly it makes its appearance after a day 
or two's rest, and is denoted by sudden swelling 
in the regions indicated. 

This swelling is hot and exceedingly tender, 
giving rise in some cases to a good deal of con- 
stitutional disturbance. 

The whole of the limb may be thickened and 
as tight as a drum, so that the patient can only 
drag the leg a little forwards. 

It must be noted that the swelling always 
begins at the top of the limb, because in injuries 
to the foot, hock, etc., the swelling extends from 
below to above. 

One attack predisposes the animal to a recur- 
rence, and repeated attacks lead to permanent 
enlargement of the whole limb. 

Recovery, under suitable treatment, generally 
takes place within a week. 

Treatment. — Give a purgative ball and allow 
exercise ; put a little nitre in the food. 

Feed sparingly. 

Foment swelling with hot water. 

Rheumatism. 

The horse now and again suffers from rheumatic 
complaints, either in acute or chronic forms, most 
frequently the last named. 

It is more than possible that many obscure 

F 



92 THE HORSE 

cases of lameness are ascribable to rheumatism, 
though one cannot verify this. 

Muscular rheumatism, in its acute stage, occurs 
in the horse, the author having seen cases of this 
nature, but, so far as he is aware, this is uncommon, 
unless amongst foals. 

The latter are sometimes afflicted with what is 
called Rheumatic Arthritis, and very frequently 
succumb to this severe malady. 

It is said that the disease owes its existence to 
infection taking place at the navel at or about 
the time of birth, hence the necessity of paying 
particular attention to the cleanliness of the navel 
during the first few weeks of life. A little boracic 
acid powder may be dusted on the navel opening, 
which may also be dressed with carbolic glycerine 
or oil, etc. 

One form of influenza is frequently attended 
by rheumatic swellings. These first appear in 
one joint — such as the fetlock — disappearing only 
to reappear elsewhere. 

This is known as Metastasis. It is not impro- 
bable that some bone spavins, ring-bone, etc., are 
of rheumatic origin. 

The treatment comprises keeping the animal 
warm, giving soft food, applying warm water to 
the swellings, and then rubbing them with lini- 
ment, such as white oil. 



NON-CLASSIFIED AILMENTS 93 

If the patient is a foal, give it a teaspoonful of 
baking soda and thirty grains of grey powder 
two or three times a day. 

Purpura Hemorrhagica. 

(See Skin Diseases.) 



94 THE HOUSE 



CHAPTER IX 

THE EYE : INJURIES, DISEASE, ETC. 

Introduction. — The horse is a frequent sufferer 
from diseases of, and accidents to, the eye. There 
are many blind horses, but most of these are still 
capable of performing useful work for their owners. 

Any visual defect is, however, looked upon by 
veterinary surgeons as a most serious drawback, 
consequently members of the profession always 
reject as unsound horses that have eye- trouble. 
It is very necessary, when purchasing a horse, to 
make a careful inspection of the eyes, but this is 
really the work of the expert, and the writer 
advises that any one contemplating purchasing a 
horse of considerable value should always have it 
examined by an experienced veterinary surgeon. 

The eyelids are lined by a mucous membrane, 
known as the conjunctiva, and as this is an ex- 
ceedingly vascular membrane (rich in small blood- 
vessels) and readily accessible for reference, it is 
the part usually referred to by the professional, 
when he wants to ascertain the condition of the 
system in general. 



THE EYE : INJURIES, DISEASES, ETC. 95 

In anaemic or bloodless states it becomes very 
pale ; yellow when the liver is deranged ; bluish 
in lung and bronchial complaints. When the 
blood is in a vitiated condition, blood spots, which 
mark the unhealthy condition of the system, fre- 
quently appear upon this membrane, disappearing 
with the advent of convalescence. 

Ophthalmia and Foreign Bodies upon Eye, 

This affection may attack one or both eyes, but 
very often only one, and is commonly produced 
or excited by mechanical agencies such as a par- 
ticle of chaff, etc., gaining admittance into the 
eye, and becoming lodged upon the globe. The 
presence of any foreign material between the 
eyelids readily excites inflammation of the con- 
junctival membrane. Injuries to the eyelid 
frequently bring about the same inflammatory 
changes. 

In some instances ophthalmia accompanies 
influenza. 

Many years ago there used to be a variety of 
eye inflammation known as periodic ophthalmia, 
or moon-blindness, and this generally destroyed 
the animal's sight. In one case that came under 
the author's notice the cause was unslaked lime, the 
farmer carting lime from the station on a windy 
day, and the lime being blown into the eyes of 



96 THE HORSE 

the horse following close behind the first cart. 
Both eyes were severely burned and inflamed. 

Various chemical substances are amongst other 
causes. 

Symptoms. — There should be no difficulty in 
forming an opinion as to whether a horse's eye is 
inflamed or not. Very likely there will be severe 
weeping; eyelids partially closed, and eye in- 
tolerant to light, and the cornea cloudy. 

Cataract. 

This is a diseased condition of the crystalline 
lens, and one that is not, in the least, uncommon 
amongst horses. Cataract may be ' complete ' or 
' partial/ and the capsular covering of the lens may 
be implicated in the diseased activity. 

In complete cataract there is total blindness in 
the affected eye. A blow over the eye, old age 
(senile cataract), and repeated attacks of inflam- 
mation are liable to bring on cataract. When 
'recurrent' or 'periodic' ophthalmia was prevalent, 
cataract, arising out of this disease, was exceed- 
ingly common. 

The same thing frequently happens amongst 
dogs in the present day. 

In partial cataract, the lens has one or more 
opaque spots, and the horse is only partially blind. 

When the lens is the seat of this disease, 



THE EYE : INJURIES, DISEASES, ETC. 97 

it assumes either a white, grey, or yellow colour, 
appearing as a star-shaped mass at the back of 
the eye, when the latter is examined in the light. 
There is no cure — surgical or otherwise — for 
cataract in the horse, so that it is quite useless to 
make any attempt. Care must be taken not to 
confuse opacity of the cornea, i.e. the circular 
transparent portion of the eye, with this diseased 
condition of the lens, although most inexperi- 
enced people do so. 

Torn Eyelids. 

Lacerations of the eyelids require very accurate 
adjustment, and may be either sewed with fine 
wire, silk, catgut, etc., or else * pinned/ The latter 
course does all right. To keep the swelling in 
check, first of all foment with warm water, and 
then, when the part has been adjusted (sewed), 
paint the external surface of the lid with tincture 
of calendula, or, if this is not readily obtainable, 
Friar's Balsam can be substituted, though it is 
not so useful as the first-named application. 

Worm in the Eye. 

In India, etc., minute thread-worms are 
occasionally found swimming about in the an- 
terior chamber of the eye, i.e. in the aqueous 
humour. 



98 THE HORSE 

The parasite is from half to one inch in length, 
and may be found in other parts of the body. 

The cornea becomes opaque, due to the irrita- 
tion produced by the worm. 

Treatment. — Puncture with a fine scalpel the 
outer border of the cornea at its junction with the 
sclerotic, i.e. the white tunic of the eyeball, so as 
to allow the chamber to empty itself and to dis- 
charge the worm. 

It is best to throw the horse with the hobbles 
before operating. 

Amaurosis (Glass Eye). 

This diseased condition, also known as Gutta- 
serena, is occasionally met with, and the eye is 
apparently healthy, though in reality quite 
useless. 

It is spoken of as idiopathic, sympathetic, and 
symptomatic, in accordance with the cause or 
causes believed to be operative, in, its production. 
It seems to be dependent upon paralysis of the 
retina, or of the optic nerve. 

Sometimes it follows upon severe haemorrhage, 
at other times lesions of the brain. 

If the eye be carefully examined it will be 
found more or less opaque, the opacity spreading 
over the cornea. 

The lash of the whip not uncommonly causes 



THE EYE: INJURIES, DISEASES, ETC. 99 

ophthalmia, and I have seen the imprint of the 
lash as an opacity on the eye. Care must be 
taken not to confound this disease with 

Stricture of the Lachrymal Duct, 

because in the last named the tears flow over the 
face, instead of down the canal that opens within 
the nostril. 

Treatment.— In every case the eyelids should 
be parted and the globe of the eye carefully 
inspected. 

If due to a particle of chaff (though it may have 
been on the eyeball only a few hours), this should 
be removed at once. This can be done by draw- 
ing a camel's hair brush and a little gum lightly 
across the eyeball. These remarks are, of course, 
applicable to ophthalmia or inflammation of the 
eye. Stricture of the duct requires professional 
skill for its treatment. 

LOFC. 



100 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER X 

CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 

Mud-Rash and Mud-Fever. 

The superficial structures of the skin are, in this 
disease, inflamed. It may be acute or chronic, 
and the eruption is occasionally accompanied by 
slight fever, hence the term ' mud-fever/ the 
source of the irritation being the presence of 
mud upon the skin. Leaving the mud upon the 
legs through imperfect grooming is a frequent 
cause of the complaint. The same may be said 
of improper drying after the mud has been 
washed off, and of allowing the horse to lie upon 
dirty bedding. It is often said that clipping the 
limbs below predisposes the animal to suffer from 
mud eruption. 

Treatment. — Give a mild dose of physic ; add 
half an ounce of bicarbonate of potash (powdered) 
to a small quantity of warm linseed and bran 
mash every night and morning. Keep the limbs 
and body clean by thorough grooming, carried 
out regularly. Sponge the sore places with lead 
lotion. 



CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 101 

Cracked Heels. 

The horse is very liable to suffer from irritation 
in this region, especially if the ground is sloppy, 
as often happens after a thaw. Washing the 
lower part of the limbs, yet failing to dry them 
thoroughly, is probably one of the most frequent 
causes of cracked heels. 

Treatment — (1) Preventive. — If the heels are 
washed, see that they are made quite dry, then 
bandaged, and not exposed to any draught. 

(2) Medicinal. — Allow a few days' rest, and 
apply lead lotion night and morning. Give a 
diuretic ball, and keep the bowels open, with 
sloppy bran and linseed mashes. 

Psoriasis (Mallenders and Sallenders). 

This is a skin disease attacking the flexor sur- 
faces (especially) of the knee and hock joints, and 
vulgarly known under the names of mallenders 
and sallenders. It is a chronic inflammatory 
condition of the skin denoted by the loss of hair 
(animals), and the assumption of a dry and scurfy 
appearance of the skin over the joint. 

Treatment.— Give plenty of good food, such 
as bruised beans, split peas, crushed oats, etc. 
Add half to one ounce of Fowler's solution of 
arsenic to the drinking-water, night and morning, 



102 THE HORSE 

and rub the sores with chrysophanic acid oint- 
ment, night and morning, for fifteen minutes. 
Several weeks or months may elapse before the 
disease shows signs of being eradicated. 

Eczema. 

This is an exceedingly troublesome complaint, 
and is of fairly frequent occurrence in the horse. 
It is a non-communicable malady, and has its 
origin in impairment of the nervous and digestive 
functions. 

The congested condition of the skin, unless 
arising from external causes, is but the outward 
manifestation of a similar condition existing 
within the body. 

Though the precise nature of these changes 
may be difficult to determine, it will occasionally 
be found that the animal affected has been suffer- 
ing from a disordered condition of the liver, 
probably owing to a diet too stimulating in 
its nature. Some horses appear to be distinctly 
predisposed to eczema (hereditary). Chemical, 
mechanical, and parasitical agents may cause an 
eruption. The last-named cause is dealt with 
under the heading of Parasites (mange). 

Symptoms. — Eczema is preceded by redness (not 
seen in pigmented parts) and the appearance of 



CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 103 

minute vesicles (blisters). The blisters subse- 
quently burst and spread their contents upon 
the surface of the inflamed area. 

Any part of the skin is liable to be the seat 
of this abnormal condition. 

Treatment. — Internally: give two grains of 
arsenious acid in the food every morning. 

When the eruption is of a chronic nature, the 
sores can be rubbed for half an hour, night and 
morning, with boracic acid ointment. Give a 
mild dose of physic (aloes) every three weeks, 
and continue the arsenic for several months, 
leaving it off during the time the physic ball has 
been given. 

Purpura. 

This disease very often follows after the animal 
has passed through some exhausting malady, such 
as influenza. Purpura is denoted by the appear- 
ance of one or more swellings upon the skin, 
variously situated, though commonly about the 
head and belly. Sloughing sores ultimately 
appear, whilst, from the nose, blood may be 
discharged. Purpura is a malady requiring the 
exercise of professional skill for its treatment, 
so that no time should be lost in consulting a 
veterinary surgeon. 



104 THE HORSE 

Mange. 

This is a fairly common disease, and the form 
induced by parasites is probably found as fre- 
quently in the horse as in the dog and cat. 
When once mange breaks out amongst a stud 
or herd of young stock, it requires more than 
superficial measures, not only to eradicate it, 
but also to prevent its spreading. It often recurs. 

Symptoms. — Constant rubbing or biting the 
skin ; loss of hair, especially about the mane and 
tail; the formation of tiny blisters (vesicles), 
which burst and produce the so-called scab or 
crust. 

If we remove one or more of these crusts and 
examine the lower surface with the aid of a 
powerful pocket-lens, we shall probably see the 
mange mite. 

By far the commonest species of mange attack- 
ing the horse is that known (technically, we 
ought to say) as sarcoptic. The mites in this 
form of the disease generally attack the hair and 
skin of the head and trunk, but the psoroptic 
variety of mite seems to prefer the root of the 
tail and the hair of the mane. 

The psoroptic species of mite, producing sar- 
coptic mange, chiefly attacks the limbs, especially 
about the fetlock-joints. 



CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 105 

The other mange mite is known as Symbiotes 
eqwi. 

Treatment and General Management. — In 
the event of an outbreak amongst a herd or stud, 
the immediate separation of the diseased is of 
primary importance. All fittings must be washed 
with boiling water and washing soda, dried, and 
in the course of a day or two lime-whitened, 
taking particular care to see that every crevice 
receives its share of attention. Carbolic acid may 
be added. Burn any straw or bedding that has 
been near or in contact with the diseased animal. 

Halters, head collars, clothing, harness, etc., 
will require complete cleansing. 

Take the diseased animal or animals and wash 
them with carbolic soft soap and warm water, 
and, if the hair be long, clip it off before the 
washing. Dry the body, and now dress it all 
over with lime and sulphur lotion. 

If the dressing has been properly applied, the 
parasites will be seen in an hour or less to be 
dead. 

The dressing can be reapplied, where neces- 
sary, in two or three days' time. 

It must be rubbed well in with the hands, 
taking care to rub in an opposite direction to 
which the hairs point. 

Isolated patches of mange do not demand that 



106 THE HORSE 

the whole of the body should be clipped or washed. 
The patches can be dressed with sulphur oint- 
ment, or with a mixture of sulphur, oil of tar, 
and whale or linseed oil. One ounce of oil of tar 
to every eight ounces of sulphur and one pint 
of linseed oil makes a dressing of suitable con- 
sistence for this purpose. 

Grease, or Seborrhcea. 

Grease is a very troublesome complaint, and 
one to which certain horses are predisposed. The 
greasy condition of the limbs is commonly present 
in animals of a soft or sluggish temperament. The 
heavier breeds are, probably, the most frequent 
sufferers. Repeated attacks of grease lead to the 
formation of unwieldy growths, especially around 
the pastern-joints. The so-called 'grapes' are 
the granulations arising from exuberant growth. 
Suppuration or festering is commonly established. 
The hind fetlocks (especially at the back) are the 
parts generally affected. 

Symptoms. — A moist and greasy feel at the 
part, stiffness, suppuration, and, it may be, the 
formation of the grape-like outgrowths. 

Treatment. — Internally, give half an ounce of 
Fowler's solution of arsenic, night and morning, 
in the food. If grapy growths have formed, these 
can be burned off with a hot, flattened piece of 



CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 107 

iron. When extensive suppuration is present, 
put on a few hot linseed poultices, covering the 
surface of the poultices with a layer of finely 
powdered charcoal ; subsequently dress the sores 
with lead lotion. A mild dose of physic, and an 
occasional diuretic ball, will assist matters. The 
arsenic must be continued for several months, 
and the sore places kept clean and bandaged 
if necessary. 

There is a form of mange (Symbiotes equi) 
that attacks the pasterns, and is a frequent cause 
of the itchy state in this region. 

Lice. 

Lice frequently attack the horse. Any part of 
the body may be attacked, but the legs, fore ones 
especially (in hairy-legged horses), are common 
places to find lice. Poultry lice (Gonioctes bur- 
netii) are often the vermin attacking the horse. 

Cleanse fittings, and burn bedding. Stall-posts, 
hay-racks, etc., ought to be washed in a decoction 
of tobacco, the stronger the better. If the hair 
upon body is long, clip it off, and then wash body 
with carbolic soap and hot water; subsequently 
dress with tobacco water (two ounces to a quart 
of water). 

Decoctions of tobacco and stavesacre (seeds) 

G 



108 THE HOUSE 

are equally good parasiticides. But always bear 
in mind that thorough cleansing is essential, not 
only of the animal's body, but also of the clothing, 
appliances, fittings; in fact, of everything that 
has come in either direct or indirect contact with 
the lice-infested animal. Poultry, or their houses, 
will need cleansing, or removal. 

Saddle and Collar Galls. 

Every horseman knows the frequency of sores 
upon the horse in the regions of the collar and 
saddle-beds. Defective conformation and ill- 
fitting tackle are predisposing, and exciting, 
causes. Special attention should be given to 
see that the saddle, collar, pad, etc., are made 
to fit the animal, as too rarely is the case. 
The removal of the cause, a few days' rest, and 
the application of the lead lotion will suffice to 
effect a cure. If the horse must be worked, the 
injured part will require protection, otherwise 
cruelty arises. Perhaps a breast-band can sup- 
plant the collar. The term ' sitfast ' is applied 
to an indolent sore upon the back. It is a scar 
imbedded in a zone of dead — or practically dead 
— tissue. Unction with iodine ointment will 
often excite reparative inflammation ; if not, the 
part requires surgical treatment, 



CUTANEOUS OR SKIN AFFECTIONS 109 

Nettle-Rash. 

Nettle-rash is characterised by the appearance 
of numerous variously-sized oval or round eleva- 
tions upon the skin, especially about the trunk. 
These 'weals' cause a great deal of irritation, 
yet the skin remains intact. The departure of 
the ' weals ' is almost as sudden as their coming. 
Disturbance of the digestive and nervous systems 
is, probably, at the root of the whole affair. 

Treatment. — Give a change of food, and a 
mild dose of Barbadoes aloes. Green food can 
be allowed. To allay the irritation, bathe the 
parts with a strong solution of baking soda. 
Boracic acid ointment is also a useful applica- 
tion for this purpose. 

Ringworm. 

This ring-like diseased condition of the skin is 
due to a microscopic parasite known as Trycophy- 
ton tonsurans. The patches have a scurfy and 
stubbly appearance. 

Dress with iodide of sulphur ointment, or paint 
with iodine, thrice daily. It is infectious. 



110 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER XI 

POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 

Arsenic. 

Many horsekeepers are in the habit of giving 
white arsenic (arsenious acid) to their horses, 
daily, for the purpose of improving their coats. 
The proprietor may not be aware of it until per- 
haps one of the animals is taken ill, and, it may 
be, dies with all the symptoms of acute poison- 
ing. The administration of arsenic in this way 
is a practice deserving the strongest condemna- 
tion. 

Horsekeepers have been known to give each 
horse as much as will lie upon a shilling, whereas 
four grains (and arsenic is a heavy powder) is the 
full average dose for an adult horse. 

Being a ' cumulative ' poison, arsenic requires 
special care in its administration. Another 
method of giving the drug is in solution (Fowler's 
solution), which contains four grains of arsenic to 
every ounce. Violent pains in the belly, extreme 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 111 

thirst, dysentery, and straining are amongst the 
more prominent symptoms of arsenical poisoning. 
Professional aid should be had at once. 

Antimony. 

As a mineral poison antimony is closely allied 
to arsenic, and the symptoms, through an over- 
dose, are almost identical. 

Antimony is extensively used by horsekeepers, 
blacksmiths, etc., to make up condition powders, 
and sold under the popular name of black 
sulphur, i.e, a sulphide of antimony. It would 
be far better if the drug fell out of use altogether, 
as its utility is doubtful. 

Lead. 

In certain localities, i.e. in the neighbourhood 
of smelting-works, cases of lead-poisoning are not 
uncommon. 

The entry of lead into the system may make 
itself known either in a low (chronic) or active 
(acute) manner. Perhaps chronic lead-poisoning 
is the form best known. Lead is now and again 
introduced into the system by water or food that 
has been allowed to stand in lead-lined vessels. 

Certain waters have a special solvent action 
upon lead pipes or cisterns, so that, whenever 
horses suffer from repeated attacks of bellyache, 



112 THE HORSE 

inquiry should be directed to the water-supply 
as a likely cause. 

Symptoms. — In the chronic manifestation of 
the complaint there is progressive paralysis, un- 
thriftiness, twitching of certain muscles (shoulder, 
etc.), and, it may be, a blue line (lead sulphide 
deposit) running around the gums. Pain in the 
belly is frequent in both forms of the disease. 
Roaring may come on, whilst knuckling over at 
the fetlock-joints is a pretty common sign. 

Treatment. — Allow four ounces of Epsom salts 
in the drinking-water night and morning until 
the horse begins to purge freely. Glauber's salt 
can be used instead, given in the same doses 
and manner. 

In chronic lead-poisoning, give one drachm 
of iodide of potassium night and morning in the 
water. Allow laxative food, and, of course, remove 
the cause if possible. Perhaps a change of pas- 
turage may be needful. 

The Yew (Taxus Baccata). 

The yew is a very common ornamental shrub, 
often attaining tree-like dimensions. It must be 
regarded as extremely poisonous, as is proved 
by the rapid death of horses and cattle that 
partake of it. The leaves are small and numer- 
ous, dark green above and lighter below. The 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 113 

berries are a pinkish red. To prevent the rapid 
collapse of the 'Yew-eater/ a pint of brandy 
with half a pint of water may be tried, subse- 
quently a smart purgative. When placing horses 
or other herbivora out to pasture, a sharp out- 
look should be kept for the presence of obnoxious 
herbage in the grass, hedges, or overhanging 
branches. 



114 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER XII 

DISEASES AFFECTING THE FEET, ETC. 

Brushing. 

Sometimes brushing is a very troublesome matter 
to remedy, because defective conformation has 
much to do with its production, and the farrier 
cannot alter the relationship between one limb 
and another. All that he can do is to keep the 
hoof well rasped down on the inner face of the 
wall and to shoe very close. Sometimes the inner 
branch of the shoe is omitted. 

Repeated brushing of the fetlock causes thicken- 
ing, and very often a painful wound, so painful, 
sometimes, that the author has seen acute in- 
flammation set in all round the joint from this 
cause. 

One or both fetlocks may be struck, and it is 
a common practice for dealers having for sale a 
horse that f brushes,' to bring it out with a boot 
or pad over the part. 

When looking at a horse, or trying it, don't be 
misled by any excuses relating to the boot or 
piece of cloth. 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 115 

Horses that have recently come up from grass 
often ' brush/ but this frequently disappears when 
the animal gets into full- working action. 

If the fetlock is bruised, a boot can be worn, 
and the sore dressed with lead lotion twice a 
day. 

Quittor. 

This disease is denoted by the presence of one 
or more suppurating points on the coronet, and 
very often proves exceedingly intractable. Either 
the fore or the hind feet may be affected, usually 
only one of the feet. 

In the majority of instances this disease is the 
result of either a suppurating corn, or a puncture 
(pricked foot), the injury having been overlooked 
at the time, or else neglected. 

It also results, though less frequently, from a 
bruised coronet. 

In some cases the lateral cartilage is diseased, 
and a cure is impossible until the decayed tissue 
has been removed, or obliterated. The sinuses 
will not heal until the source of the irritation 
has been removed. Injections of chloride of 
zinc, or coring out with the hot iron, sometimes 
effects a cure, but the latter is somewhat cruel 
surgery. 



116 THE HORSE 

Diseases of the Wall— Sandcrack. 

Sandcrack is a very common diseased condition 
of the hoof-wall, and one that constitutes un- 
soundness. 

It commonly shows itself at the quarters when 
in the forefoot or feet, but, if in the hind, usually 
at the toe, though there are many exceptions to 
this rule. 

Sandcrack depends upon either a defective 
secretion of horn, or else insufficient nutriment in 
the horn fibres to confer the necessary degree of 
continuity of structure. 

Sandcrack begins at the top of the hoof, and 
may extend either a portion of the way, or from 
top to bottom; also, it can be either superficial 
or deep. 

If sandcrack extends through the thickness of 
the wall, it is almost sure to cause lameness, be- 
cause the sensitive laminae will very likely become 
' nipped up ' in the tissue, and bleeding result. 

It is needless to say that it is a criminal offence 
to work a horse in this condition. 

Treatment. — If the crack extends through the 
wall and it is necessary to keep the animal at 
work, the crack can be bolted or riveted, as it 
is called. Almost any shoeing-smith will do this 
with an ordinary horse-nail. Notches are cut in 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 117 

the wall on either side of the fissure, sufficiently- 
deep to accommodate head and point of the nail 
when the latter is driven home and turned up. 
The nail is now driven in at one notch and out 
at the opposite one, taking care that its track 
traverses the wall only. It must not enter the 
hoof, otherwise serious damage will be the result. 

Small sandcrack-bolts are sold — with nippers — 
by dealers in veterinary instruments, and these 
serve their purpose admirably, if properly adjusted. 

Another method is that of isolating the crack 
by drawing the hot firing-iron across the hoof, 
below the level of the crack, or by forming a 
V-shaped area, placing oblique lines with the 
firing-iron on either side of the crack. 

1 Taping ' the hoof is another method. It means 
binding up the crack with tape and pitch. 

Grazing on marshy land and blistering the 
coronet sometimes proves beneficial, but sand- 
crack, though apparently so simple, frequently 
proves a most obstinate and troublesome disease 
of the foot. When shoeing, take pressure off the 
crack. 

False Quarter. 

By the term false quarter we mean that the 
wall of the hoof has a vertical channel or indenta- 
tion in it, but the horn is not split, as in sandcrack. 



118 THE HORSE 

It weakens the wall, predisposing it to split (sand- 
crack), if any extra pressure is brought to bear 
upon it; hence constitutes unsoundness. Use a 
bar shoe. 



Pumiced or Collapsed Wall. 

Frequently after an attack of laminitis, or 
founder of the feet, the wall of the hoof becomes 
malformed, assuming more of the horizontal form ; 
in fact, a specimen that the author saw amongst 
the Agricultural College exhibits was one that 
had become perfectly flattened, almost as though 
the hoof- wall had been melted. 

Pumiced feet are highly objectionable in any 
horse, and distinctly abnormal. 

Seedy Toe. 

This diseased condition of the horse is denoted 
by the mealy nature of it, and often causes a 
separation between the wall and sole (separated 
hoof), giving the wall a hollow sound when struck. 
As the name implies, it commonly begins at the 
toe, and from here it may gradually extend. 

Just where the toe-clip goes, the horn crumbles 
away, so that there is no longer any support for 
the toe-clip. 

Either the fore or the hind feet may be affected. 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 119 

It constitutes unsoundness. In some cases the 
hollowed-out portion extends right to the coronet. 
The best method of dealing with this disease 
of the foot is to blister the coronet ; give a run, 
for (say) three months, on marshy land, and then 
fix on a bar shoe. 

Contraction of the Feet. 

In most diseases of the feet — also in lameness 
arising from other causes — the hoof-wall at the 
heels begins to shrink, causing the foot to become 
narrow behind. This is known as 'contraction.' 
It is not of itself a diseased condition, but it 
points to diminished functional power either in 
the foot (or feet), or in some other portion of the 
limb. 

Diseases of the Sole — Corn. 

The horse is a frequent sufferer from corn, but 
this complaint is quite different from that in the 
human subject. In the horse a corn consists of 
a bruise of the sensitive structures beneath the 
horny sole, producing beneath it an effusion of 
blood. A rather remarkable fact in connection 
with this bruise is that it should be nearly always 
upon the inner quarter of the sole, seldom upon 
the outer quarter. There is a difference between 
a recent corn and one that has been in existence 



120 THE HOUSE 

for any length of time. A recent corn has a 
bright red appearance, whereas an old corn has 
a blackish or greenish-black appearance. It is 
the rule for veterinary surgeons to reject horses 
having a corn ; and rightly so, because horses so 
frequently go lame from this complaint. Some- 
times a corn takes on suppurative action, and, 
unless exit be given to the pus, it may break out 
at the coronet and in this way form a quittor. 

Treatment. — If the animal is going lame, the 
shoe must be removed at once and the seat of 
corn thoroughly pared out. This will relieve the 
pressure, and, if there is suppuration, give exit to 
any pus that has become locked up under the 
sole. The foot can now be put in a hot bran and 
linseed poultice — as hot as the animal can bear it. 

Continue this treatment until an improvement 
takes place. See to the shoeing, because this 
appears to be one of the principal causes of corn. 
The pressure must be removed, otherwise a cure 
becomes an impossibility. 

Canker. 

This malady is exceedingly troublesome, and 
also very unpleasant, for the odour from the 
affected foot is of a most pestilential nature. 

Most veterinary surgeons look upon canker as 
an incurable disease, and this is, to a large extent, 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 121 

true, but many cases of cankered feet have been 
completely cured, though, not without very drastic 
surgical measures. 

It is not a difficult matter to keep the complaint 
in check, and this it is a general custom to do, 
owners being aware of the incurable nature of the 
disease. 

In advanced cases the frog, sole, and wall are 
implicated in the morbid phenomena, but com- 
monly the disease attacks the frog and sole 
only. 

It is denoted by the presence of fungoid 
growths, bleeding when touched, and emitting a 
most disagreeable odour. 

One or more of the feet may be affected. In 
all probability canker of the foot is due to a low 
form of vegetable life, whose existence is of a 
saprophytic nature, i.e. living upon decomposing 
organic matter. 

When a horse is suffering from foot-canker, it 
is not fit for work, unless shod with a leather (or 
pressure) plate. 

Teeatment. — First of all, wash the foot with 
some disinfecting solution; dry, and then with 
the farrier's drawing-knife remove as much of the 
fungoid growth as possible. 

Now paint the surface with the following 
mixture: — Formalin, 1 drachm; blue stone, 4 



122 THE HORSE 

drachms; acetic acid, 2 drachms; verdigris, 2 
drachms ; water, 4 ounces. 

After painting freely with the solution, soak a 
piece or two in it, and then pack sole and frog 
with tow so that, when an iron plate rests upon 
it, there shall be constant and firm pressure — the 
greater the pressure the better. Always keep 
plenty of pressure on the diseased growth. 

Thrush. 

This is not really a disease of the sole, but of 
the cleft of the frog, which it frequently under- 
mines, destroying vitality, and even causing 
lameness. 

In most instances thrush is the result of negli- 
gence, being brought on through decomposing 
matter being allowed to accumulate within the 
frog-cleft. 

One or the whole of the feet may be affected. 
The hind feet are the most susceptible, but the 
disease is exceedingly common in the fore feet 
also. If the cleft of the frog is examined, it will 
be found suppurating and moist, emitting a dis- 
gusting odour. 

Treatment. — Proper attention to the hygiene 
of the feet. Wash the feet with some disinfect- 
ants ; dry, and then dust in a little calomel and 
pack up with tow. Repeat daily. 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 123 



Laminitis, or Founder. 

This is a very common complaint, and one with 
which most horsemen are familiar. The malady 
is also called fever in the feet ; and all classes of 
horses are equally liable to suffer. It is an 
inflammation of the sensitive laminae or leaves 
of the feet. A horse, when once it has had a 
well-marked attack of founder, is especially prone 
to have another. An attack necessarily renders 
a horse unsuitable for hard work on hard roads ; 
in fact, a horse that has had this ailment (should 
it be compelled to do work of this nature) will, 
sooner or later, have a recurrence of the disease. 

Concussion is perhaps the most common cause 
of founder, but it may arise in many ways. 
Feeding on wheat has very often brought on an 
attack. There is a form known as septic laminitis, 
due to the retention of the cleansing or after- 
birth. This septic form of the disease is usually 
of a very severe nature, and requires energetic 
treatment to effect a cure. Sometimes an 
overdose of aloes will bring on founder, and over- 
driving is not an uncommon cause. Doubtless 
there are other causes, but the foregoing are the 
principal ones. 

H 



124 THE HORSE 

Symptoms and Treatment. — There should not 
be much difficulty in making a diagnosis of this 
malady, for the signs are generally well marked. 
Both fore, or both hind feet, or all the feet, may be 
affected at one and the same time. If the fore 
feet are affected, then the animal will stand with 
its fore feet pushed out as far as possible. On 
the other hand, when the hind feet are affected, 
the animal will advance them as far as possible 
under the body, thus taking the pressure off the 
toe. If the pulse be taken, it will be found at 
first full and bounding, but it soon becomes of an 
oppressed nature. The breathing is quickened, 
and the internal temperature is increased several 
degrees. In some cases the mucous membrane 
lining the eyelids is greatly swollen ; in fact, the 
eyes may be completely closed. The animal will 
very likely be sweating. 

As soon as this disease is discovered the shoes 
should be removed at once, and the feet placed in 
poultices. Hot or cold bran poultices may be 
used, whichever it is most convenient to use ; some 
vets, prefer hot, and others cold, poultices. 

It does not matter much which be used, but 
the poultices must be persevered with. If hot 
water is used, then keep it hot; if cold water, 
keep it cold. 

The poultices must be kept constantly wetted. 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 125 

Follow this treatment up with a dose of physic, 
but don't give too big a dose of purgative medicine, 
otherwise more harm than good is likely to result. 
A moderate dose is all that is called for. The 
horse must be given a deep bed of sawdust or 
short straw, and encouraged to rest as much as 
possible. Some practitioners believe in allowing 
the animal all the exercise possible, but there is no 
doubt that this causes a good deal of suffering. 
In addition to the foregoing treatment it is advis- 
able to allow a little fever medicine in the food or 
drinking-water. For this purpose there is nothing 
better than small doses (say four drachms) of 
chlorate of potash night and morning. Powdered 
nitre given in the same doses will do instead. If 
the disease has arisen through the retention of a 
decomposing placental membrane, the womb 
must be washed out immediately with a good 
strong solution of some disinfectant, such as 
chinosol, carbolic, etc. 

Small doses of Epsom salts are very useful in 
this disease, and can be recommended as being a 
safe and efficient laxative. As soon as ever there 
are any signs of improvement having taken place, 
it is advisable to give gentle walking exercise. 
This will facilitate recovery. As a means of 
improving the condition of the feet, it is an 
excellent plan to turn the horse out to graze on 



126 THE HOESE 

marshy land for two or three months. This 
generally does the feet a lot of good. 

Bar shoes are often used in the treatment of 
laminitis. 



Navicular- Arthritis. 

Introduction. — Just behind, and articulating 
with, the coffin and coronet bones, there is a 
small ship-shaped bone (navicular bone) over the 
posterior surface of which the tendon of a muscle 
(flexor perforans) plays, this tendon being attached 
to the lower surface of the coffin bone, above 
which it expands, forming a sheath (navicular 
sheath), from which two pouches project, one 
upwards, the other downwards, containing a 
lubricating fluid, serving to facilitate the gliding 
of the tendon over the bone. When a horse 
becomes affected with navicular disease — vulgarly 
termed ' groginess,' and the horse itself a ' grog ' — 
the parts participating in the disease are: — (a) 
The navicular bone ; (6) the tendon (perforans) ; 
(c) the lubricating sheath (bursa). 

In which of these parts the disease begins 
is a disputed point. Some authorities think that 
it begins in the bone as a rheumatic inflamma- 
tion, others in the cartilage (gristle) covering this, 
while others think it originates in the tendon or 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 127 

else the lubricating sheath. Again, others assert 
that its origin is not constant. The author's 
experience is insufficient to enable him to speak 
with confidence upon its point of origin, but a 
very tenable view is that the disease has its 
starting-point upon the gliding surface (under 
surface) of the navicular bone. It is quite pos- 
sible that the inflammation is of a rheumatic 
nature in some instances, but its occurrence, 
through injury, is against this theory. 

Disease of the gliding surface of the navicular 
bone will soon be followed by that of the tendon, 
over which the latter glides. Brown spots of 
minute size are found upon the cartilage (gristle) 
covering this gliding (lower) surface of the bone, 
and subsequently the cartilage becomes rough 
and has an eroded (eaten) appearance. In 
course of time the disease advances into the 
substance of the bone, but it has been said that 
this may precede the changes in the cartilage 
covering the surface. The side of the tendon 
nearest the bone becomes diseased through 
contact, and sometimes the tendon becomes fixed 
to the bone. The first change to be seen is the 
formation of rusty-coloured spots, which become 
roughened. If the eroding process goes on and 
on, some of the minute fibres of the tendon are 
torn, until perhaps it completely gives way. 



128 THE HORSE 

When the sheath (bursa) is inflamed, it appears 
thickened, or even blood-red. 

Causes. — It has long been supposed that navi- 
cular disease is hereditary, but this is probably- 
only true as regards peculiarity of conformation 
in connection with the feet. It almost always 
affects the fore feet, usually of the lighter breeds 
of horses, especially quick movers with high 
action. The explanation of its almost constant 
occurrence in the fore feet appears to be on 
account of the greater degree of concussion here. 

A well-developed foot-pad (frog) seems to be 
the best preventive of this disease. An attenu- 
ated frog is a common accompaniment of navi- 
cular disease, and, there can be no doubt, is a- 
powerful predisposing cause, one of the functions 
of the foot-pad (frog) being to protect the navi- 
cular arrangement. 

Below, we give several likely causes of the 
disease : — 1. Long pasterns, which cause excessive 
strain upon the tendons. 2. Small, narrow, up- 
right feet, having arched soles. 3. Upright pas- 
terns. 4. Leaving the toe too long. 5. A long 
period of rest, or resting upon one foot constantly. 
6. Lowering of the heels, thus bringing greater 
strain upon the flexor tendons. 7. Rheumatic 
predisposition. 8. Standing 'over' on the fore 
feet. 9. Destruction of the frag (foot-pad) through 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET, ETC. 129 

paring or disease. It must be borne in mind, 
however, that the exciting agent is concussion, 
compression, or some form of injury. 

Symptoms. — (a) Lameness, coming on gradu- 
ally. (&) The animal is very lame when brought 
out of stable, but this may pass off after a little 
exercise, though it is quite possible that exer- 
cise will increase the lameness. The chest appears 
drawn together, and the animal, when moving, 
has a stilty look. When the horse is in stable 
the weight is taken off the heel, and the toe 
pointed, perhaps scraping the floor. The hoof 
may be smaller than its fellow. If both feet are 
affected, diminution in size will not be noticed. 
Upright pastern or pasterns, contracted hoof 
(heels), a shrunken, dry, and wasted frog (foot- 
pad), are other signs. Sometimes there is pain 
shown when the hollow of the heel is pressed. 
There is a short, cat-like step observed when both 
fore feet are affected. The whole limb has a 
shrunken look about it, especially if the disease 
is fairly advanced. 

Although the foregoing symptoms are in the 
main characteristic of navicular disease, one or 
more of these may be present in other forms of 
lameness, such as fetlock-joint lameness, or that 
arising from sprain of the ligaments of the coronet- 
joint, or from contracted feet. Perhaps there is 



130 THE HOESE 

pain, and a little thickening on the back of the 
coronet-joint. From fetlock-joint lameness it is 
distinguishable by the fact that flexion of this 
joint causes pain, and there may be heat, swelling, 
or knuckling over, through tendon shortening. 

Treatment for Navicular Disease. 

Very little can be done beyond that of keeping 
the toe short, and paying careful attention to the 
shoeing. 

Neurectomy — i.e. the removal of a portion of 
the nerves of sensation supplying the diseased 
foot, is a good deal practised. 



DRUGS 131 



CHAPTER XIII 

RECIPES—DRUGS : THEIR DOSES, USES, ETC. 

Introduction. — Medicines can be given either by 
the mouth, beneath the skin, injected directly 
into a vein, or as clysters into the rectum, i.e. 
the lower end of the bowel. Absorption, to some 
extent, may take place through the skin. Inhala- 
tion is another method. 

When medicines are injected beneath the skin, 
or into a vein, very powerful drugs (alkaloids) 
are employed, consequently minute doses are 
used. As a rule, the effects of giving drugs in 
this manner are well marked, the action being 
speedier than in other cases. Some medicines 
act locally, i.e. at a given part; others have a 
special action upon certain organs, heart, kidneys, 
liver, bowels, etc.; while the activity of certain 
other drugs is chiefly upon the system in a 
general way. 

A draught should be quite up to half a pint of 
liquid, but never exceed a quart. The latter 
quantity should rarely be given. 



132 THE HORSE 

A bolus or ball ought not to exceed an ounce 
in weight. It should be neither too hard nor 
too soft. As a rule, balls are wrapped in grease- 
proof paper — gelatine capsules — or ordinary white 
paper. They are generally about 2| inches in 
length, and somewhat the thickness of the first 
finger. In shape they may be conical (best) or 
cylindrical ; less frequently egg-shaped (bad). 

Powders can be mixed with the food, given in 
a bran mash, or as a drench. Soluble powders, 
such as powdered nitrate and chlorate of potash, 
can be added to the animal's drinking-water. 
Arsenic, in the form of Fowler's solution, may be 
given in the same manner. Mixtures generally 
require shaking before using. 

Electuaries are semi-solid substances, intended 
for smearing inside the cheeks, or over the molar 
teeth. 

Suppositories are intended for insertion into 
the rectum, and pessaries for the vagina. 

Alterative Condition Powder. 

Recipe, — Powdered capsicum, 1 drachm ; bicar- 
bonate of soda, 3 ounces ; precipitated sulphur, 3 
ounces; nitrate of potash, 6 drachms; powdered 
gentian, 4| ounces ; mix and divide equally into 
one dozen powders. Directions: give one night 
and morning in food. 



DKUGS 133 

Anodynes are medicines given to relieve pain. 



Name of Drug. 

Laudanum (Tr. 

Opium). 
Powdered Opium. 



How to be Given. 

In water or clyster. 
In bolus or powder. 



Dose. 

1 to 3 ounces. 
1 to 2 drachms. 



Anti - Diarrhcea Mixture. — Recipe. — Laud- 
anum, 3 ounces ; tincture of catechu, 6 ounces ; 
aromatic spirits of ammonia, 1J ounces; spirit of 
camphor, 1J ounces; spirit of chloroform, 1J 
ounces ; chlorodyne, 3 ounces ; peppermint-water 
added, 3 J ounces ; mix and make 1 pint of liquid. 
Dose, four tablespoonfuls every four or six hours 
in 1 pint of arrowroot or wheaten gruel. 

Antiseptics are drugs which prevent putre- 
faction. Carbolic acid, formalin, and chloride of 
zinc, as well as corrosive sublimate, are amongst 
the most important. They are used for keeping 
wounds sweet, as they destroy the germs causing 
decay. (See Liniments and Lotions.) 

Diuretics. — These are agents which act upon 
the kidneys, causing an increased discharge of 
urine. 

The commonest diuretics are as follows : — 



Name of Drug. 

Powdered nitre. 
Sweet spirit of nitre. 
Oil of turpentine. 
Chlorate of potash. 



How Given. 

In water or ball. 

In draught. 

In draught. 

In drinking-water. 



Dose. 

J ounce. 
1 to 3 ounces. 
J to 1 ounce. 
tj ounce. 



134 THE HORSE 

Name of Drug. How Given. Dose. 

Powdered foxglove. In powder or ball. 10 to 30 grains. 

Tincture of foxglove. In the form of a 2 to 4 drachms. 

draught. 

Powdered resin. Powder or ball. J to 1 ounce. 

Lotion for Sprains. — Recipe. — Powdered 
nitre and sal-ammoniac, 2| ounces of each ; cold 
water, 1 pint. 

Directions. — Dip cloths in the liquid, and apply- 
to the inflamed or sprained part. 

Lotion for Collar and Saddle Galls. — 
Recipe. — Corrosive sublimate, 36 grains ; water, 
1 pint ; mix and apply to the sores twice a day, 
using a piece of sponge. 

Laxatives are medicines which act mildly . 
upon the bowels. 

Name of Drug. How to be Given. Dose. 

Castor-oil. As a draught \ to 1 pint. 

(warm). 

Linseed -oil. In a bran mash or 2 ounces to 1^ 

draught. pints. 

Barbadoes and Cape In a bolus. 2 drachms. 



This last oil acts very well as a laxative in 
fevers, if it is given in doses of six tablespoonfuls, 
with a nice soft bran mash, night and morning. 
It never purges, and is always extremely safe as 
a mild bowel-opener. 

Laxative Ball. — Recipe. — Powdered Barba- 



DRUGS 



135 



does aloes, 1 drachm ; powdered sulphate of iron, 
1 drachm; powdered ginger, \ ounce; linseed 
meal, 2 drachms; treacle sufficient to form one 
ball; mix and give. Repeat when thought fit. 
A bran mash and warm water will help this ball 
to act more quickly. 

Liniments are intended for external use. As a 
rule, they require rubbing into the affected part. 

Some are used for sprains, bruises, rheumatism, 
etc., and others for wounds. 

Wound Liniment. — Recipe. — Carbolic acid 
crystals, 1 ounce; Russian glycerine, 8 ounces. 
Mix or add the carbolic acid to the warm 
glycerine, and heat gently together in a jar sur- 
rounded by hot water. 

Directions. — Apply a little, using tow and a 
bandage if possible. 

Stimulants. — These are agents which excite 
the vital powers, increasing the beating of the 
heart, and giving an impulse to the circulation. 



Name of Drug. 
Brandy. 
Gin. 

Whisky. 

Rectified spirit of 

wine. 
Sweet spirit of nitre. 



How Given. 

In water or milk. 

With ginger and 
water. 

With ginger and 
water. 

In water or mix- 
ture. 

In water or mix- 
ture. 



Dose. 
4 to 8 ounces. 
J pint. 

J pint. 

4 ounces. 

1 to 2 ounces. 



136 


THE HORSE 




Name of Drug. 


How Given. 


Dose. 


Sulphuric ether. 


In water or mix- 
ture. 


1 to 2 ounces. 


Carbonate of am- 


In water. 


i to | ounce. 


monia (stone am- 






monia). 






Aromatic spirit of 


In water. 


\ to 1 ounce. 


ammonia (sal-vola- 






tile). 







Stimulating Draught. — Recipe. — Powdered 
carbonate of ammonia, J ounce ; tincture of capsi- 
cum, tincture of ginger, of each J ounce ; sweet 
spirit of nitre, 1 ounce ; water, 1 pint ; mix and 
give the whole draught at once. Useful in slight 
chills. 

Tonics. — Medicines which improve the appetite- 
by quickening the vital powers. They are useful 
whenever an animal has been pulled down 
through disease, such as influenza, diarrhoea, 
etc. Quinine in 30-grain doses. 

Hoof Ointment. — Recipe. — Russian tallow, 
turpentine, vaseline, yellow wax, olive-oil — of 
each equal parts ; mix and melt. 

Uses. — For contracted and brittle feet. 

Iodine Ointment. — Recipe.— Powdered iodine, 
2 drachms ; powdered iodide of potash, 1 drachm ; 
lanolin, 1 ounce; vaseline, 1 ounce; mix thoroughly. 

Use. — To reduce chronic swellings. 

Domestic Measuring Utensils. — A teaspoon- 



DKUGS 137 

ful = l fluid drachm; a dessert-spoonful = 2 fluid 
drachms ; tablespoonful = | ounce (fluid) ; a wine- 
glassful = from 2 to 2| ounces (fluid); teacupful 
= from 5 to 7 ounces (fluid); breakfast-cup = 8 
ounces (fluid); ordinary tumbler = 8 to 10 fluid 
ounces; a pint bottle = 13 fluid ounces; a quart 
bottle = 27 fluid ounces. 

It must be understood that these are merely 
approximations; therefore the writer recom- 
mends the use, whenever possible, of a gradu- 
ated measuring glass, which may be had for a 
trifling cost. 

List of Drugs and Useful Appliances. 

Graduated quart glass jug. 

A pint champagne bottle. 

A quart champagne bottle. 

A four-ounce graduated measuring glass. 

A pair of scales, lancet, seton needle, mortar 
and pestle. 

Tow. Three sets of flannel bandages. 

A packet of assorted suture (sewing) needles, 
both curved and straight. A two-bladed fleam. 

Metallic and silver suture wire. A pair of 
curved trimming scissors. 

Some linen or cotton. Lint, 

Thermometer and clinical thermometer. 

Some bottles, plain and stoppered. 



138 THE HORSE 

8 ounces of sweet spirit of nitre. 2 ounces of 
tincture of capsicums. 

4 ounces of concentrated acetate of ammonia. 

I lb. of carbonate of ammonia. 

4 ounces of carbolic acid. 

6 ounces of laudanum. 6 ounces of chlorodyne. 

J lb. each of powdered gentian, calumba, and 
ginger. 

6 ounces of powdered nitre. 6 ounces of aloes. 
Bottle of Jeye's fluid. 

| lb. of powdered Barbadoes aloes. 2 lbs. of 
powdered linseed. 

A pint of brandy. A pint of turpentine. 

8 ounces of sulphuric ether. 4 ounces of sugar 
of lead, and the same quantity of sulphate of 
zinc. \ lb. of powdered sulphate of iron. 2 
quarts of linseed-oil. 

\ lb. of bicarbonate of potash and soda. 

Bottle of glycerine. 

1 lb. tin of mustard. 



WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 139 



CHAPTER XIV 

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 

The horse is a very frequent sufferer from injuries 
of this class, varying from mere excoriations to 
extensive lacerations, sometimes accompanied by 
the opening up of a joint, or, it may be, the 
penetration of some vital organ. It is usual to 
speak of wounds as ' incised ' or clean cut, ' lacer- 
ated' or torn, 'contused/ i.e. a wound accom- 
panied by considerable bruising of the surrounding 
tissue, ' punctured/ etc. The size of a wound is 
not necessarily any criterion as regards the ulti- 
mate issue, the situation often being of greater 
significance. Trifling wounds are just as likely 
to lead to an unfavourable issue as are those 
which are extensive ; in fact, one often finds that 
an apparently trivial wound leads to a fatal issue. 
For instance, saddle and collar galls and punc- 
tured wounds in the region of the feet, are fre- 
quently followed by Tetanus, or lockjaw, the 
result of infection with the organisms of this 
disease. Speaking in a general sense, punctured 
wounds are those most to be dreaded, more 

i 



140 THE HOESE 

especially ii in the neighbourhood of a joint or 
a cavity, such as the cranial, thorax or chest, 
abdomen, etc., there being a danger of injury to 
some important organ, or of laceration of blood- 
vessels, etc. Subcutaneous wounds are those in 
which there is a laceration beneath the skin, and 
these are occasionally accompanied by a fracture, 
so that a good deal of care is necessary in esti- 
mating the amount of damage which may have 
been done. All wounds in the region of the feet 
demand skilful treatment, so that any injuries 
of this kind should be left in the hands of a 
veterinary surgeon. Lacerations about the eyes 
require very careful adjustment and treatment, 
because inflammation of this part is generally an 
accompaniment, and, unless properly attended 
to, may lead to the sight becoming permanently 
damaged. Wounds at the back of the limbs 
below the knee and hock frequently lead to divi- 
sion of the tendons, but divided tendons may 
become reunited, provided that suitable treat- 
ment is adopted. 

Treatment and General Management of 
Wounds. 

As soon as possible after the infliction of the 
injury the wound should be carefully examined, 
with a view to ascertaining the extent of the 



WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 141 

damage done, but it is not advisable, as a rule, 
to probe a wound, because this may increase the 
risk of infection or extend the injury. If there 
is severe bleeding, it must be controlled, and 
there are several methods of doing this: the 
application of cold water is excellent, and, if this 
fails, the application of hot and cold water alter- 
nately can be tried. Pressure, by the application 
of a bandage on the side nearest the heart, is 
another method of restraining bleeding ; but if a 
large vessel is torn and accessible, it is advisable 
to tie a ligature above and below the tear, and 
then to divide the vessel between the ligature. 
In course of time collateral circulation is opened 
up, and the area supplied by the large vessel is 
restored by the substituted circulation. Mere 
division of the vessel is sometimes sufficient to 
stop haemorrhage ; this is brought about by con- 
traction of the middle muscular coat of the artery. 
Bleeding from a vein is of less significance than 
that from an artery, still less from capillaries. It 
must be understood that a horse can stand the 
loss of a large amount of blood, a gallon or six 
quarts not being at all excessive. Strong Tincture 
of Steel applied to the wound will often serve to 
arrest the bleeding, or the part may be touched 
with the hot iron, and sealed up in this manner. 
In every case, however, it is not an advantage 



142 THE HORSE 

to check the bleeding. The wound must be 
thoroughly cleansed, and all particles of sand, 
etc., removed from it, as such material not only- 
serves to irritate the tissues, but is liable to act 
as a medium for the introduction of specific organ- 
isms. When washing a wound it is advisable 
to use some antiseptic, the principal ones being: — 

Formalin. Chinosol. 

Creolin. Corrosive sublimate, 

Carbolic acid. etc. 

All these must, of course, be employed in solution 
with water, and sufficiently diluted not to irritate 
the wound. After a thorough cleansing, the hair 
at, and immediately around, the injury must be 
shaved off, and the wound, if it is of such a 
nature that it can be stitched, should be sewed 
up; but care must be taken not to adjust a 
wound too tightly, because the swelling that sub- 
sequently comes on may tear the stitches out; 
in fact, if swelling is already present it will be 
well to delay suturing the wound until the swell- 
ing has partially subsided. An ordinary needle 
can be employed for sewing up a wound, but 
special surgical needles are sold, straight, curved, 
or half-curved, and in various sizes. The best 
materials for suturing a wound are plated copper 
wire, chromic silk, catgut, carbolic silk, or even 



WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 143 

ordinary twine; the last named should be well 
boiled before use. Each stitch must be taken 
separately and then tied off, continuous sewing 
being seldom employed for external wounds; 
the separated stitches are called 'interrupted' 
sutures. When a wound is situated where there 
is a mass of muscle (flesh), as upon the quarters, 
and it is deeply seated, ordinary stitches will not 
do, because the tension on them is too great. 
It is necessary, therefore, to employ a means of 
uniform pressure upon the sound tissue, say an 
inch or two on either side of the wound. This 
can be done by inserting the stitches and then 
fixing the free ends to pieces of wood or buttons 
resting on the sound tissues, the buttons being 
adjusted in accordance with circumstances. In 
every case it is expedient to leave for drainage 
an opening, which should be at the lowest part 
of the injury. Drainage tubes are not of much 
service in veterinary practice. If preferred, pins 
can be used instead of wire. They are passed 
through the sound skin on either side of the 
wound, and, when the points have been clipped 
off, retained in position by twisted horse-hair, or, 
what is still better, stout silk thread, wound in 
figures of eight around the free ends. The size 
of the pins will necessarily vary in accordance 
with the purposes for which they are required. 



144 THE HORSE 

If a wound is so situated that the animal can 
either rub or bite the injured part, measures of 
restraint must be employed, to prevent further 
damage being done. If a wound is old, and 
putrefaction has begun, a powerful antiseptic 
must be used to bring the flesh back into a 
healthy condition ; and for this purpose there is 
nothing superior to a strong alcoholic solution 
of zinc chloride, the strength of which should 
vary from twenty to forty grains to each ounce 
of methylated spirit. The terms 'indolent' or 
c chronic ' are applied to wounds when they are 
tardy in healing ; and this is due to a defective 
granulating surface at the bottom of a wound,, 
from which healing takes place. Deep-seated 
abscesses often discharge their contents by one 
or more small openings upon the surface ; these 
channels are called ' sinuses/ but they are quite 
useless for effecting a cure, unless they have been 
converted into simple wounds. Such a state 
of affairs is present in fistula of the withers, 
quittor of the foot, and poll-evil. 

The following wounds call for special methods 
of treatment, and, if it can be obtained, the 
services of a veterinary surgeon : — Broken knees ; 
wounds over, or in the immediate vicinity of, 
joints; injuries to the withers, to the poll, to the 
breast, to the chest, etc. If professional aid 



WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 145 

cannot be obtained, one should, in the case of 
broken knees or of wounds in joints, either place 
the animal in slings, or fasten it so that it cannot 
lie down, for flexion of the joint is most un- 
favourable towards healing, and the speedier the 
healing, the better the ultimate issue. Wounds 
of this kind must never be sewed up. After the 
parts have been cleansed they must be treated in 
accordance with the strictest antiseptic measures 
that can be adopted in veterinary practice. (The 
writer would like to remark that there is a vast 
difference between the application of antiseptic 
principles in the case of men and their applica- 
tion in the case of animals.) Following upon the 
cleansing of the wound and all parts surround- 
ing it, it is advisable to apply a pad of antiseptic 
wool, dipped in a solution of corrosive sublimate, 
three grains to the ounce of water, or, what is 
equally useful, a solution of Chinosol. If the joint 
has been opened, the former antiseptic is prefer- 
able, because it will assist in coagulating the 
synovia or joint oil, at the same time rendering 
the parts aseptic; this dressing should then be 
surrounded with carbolic tow and a piece of gutta- 
percha silk, followed by a linen bandage, over 
which a flannel one is applied. The dressing 
should be removed once a day, say in the evening, 
and the skin bordering upon the wound washed, 



146 THE HORSE 

but not the wound itself, it being a great mistake 
to be continually washing wounds. This delays 
their healing, and frequently leads to the destruc- 
tion of a considerable amount of skin in the area 
of the injury. In the case of broken knees, etc., 
the wound should not be permanently uncovered 
until a granulating surface has reached to the level 
of the surrounding skin, when the bandages may 
be removed, and the drying action of the air will 
assist to complete the healing. In veterinary 
practice what may be termed the ' open-air treat- 
ment ' of wounds is frequently employed, and the 
results are generally fairly satisfactory. The 
desiccation of the discharge upon the surface 
seals up the wound and acts as a barrier against 
the admission of septic organisms. One of the 
most objectionable results from deep-seated in- 
juries to the knees is that of permanent stiffening 
or Anchylosis, but this does not occur in ordinary 
cases of broken knee, which vary from that of a 
mere blemish, to one producing fracture of the 
carpal bones. 



FRACTURES 147 



CHAPTER XV 

FRACTURES 

The horse is a frequent sufferer from injuries of 
this nature, both whilst at work and at pasture ; 
in fact, a considerable proportion of fractures met 
with in practice are those occurring in horses 
turned out to graze ; and, unless an agistor exer- 
cises discretion in turning horses out sent to graze, 
he will render himself liable, should an accident 
(such as that arising from one vicious horse kick- 
ing another) occur to any of the animals. Any 
bone may be fractured, or fractured and dislocated, 
but the commonest injuries are those in connection 
with the limbs. All fractures of the vertebra, 
as in the neck, and along the back and loins, 
usually demand, if the injury is through the body 
of the bone, immediate destruction of the animal. 
Disease predisposes a bone to fracture. 

A fracture is spoken of as being * simple ' when 
the bone is merely broken across, * compound ' 
when there is a wound leading down to the in- 
jury, 'comminuted' when the bone is broken into 
a number of fragments, and ( compound commin- 



148 THE HORSE 

uted ' when there is a wound as well as the last- 
named injury. A fracture may be either trans- 
verse, oblique, or longitudinal ; frequently it is a 
combination of the three. An oblique fracture is 
the one that appears to be the most amenable to 
treatment in veterinary practice, but most frac- 
tures in the horse are very difficult to deal with, 
owing to the trouble there is in keeping the parts 
at rest. Fractures through joints call for im- 
mediate destruction of the animal. A very 
important feature in connection with many frac- 
tures in the horse is the total absence of one of 
the cardinal signs of a fractured bone, namely 
1 crepitation ' ; and this is the reason why the 
veterinarian so often experiences a difficulty in 
giving a positive opinion as to the presence or 
absence of fracture in a particular bone, although 
he may have had experience of similar injuries. 
This remark is particularly applicable when the 
bone is situated in a sheltered position, and ma- 
nipulation is difficult or impossible to carry out. 
The pelvic bone, femur, etc., afford good examples. 
When there is a wound in addition to a fracture, 
the injury is necessarily more complicated to 
treat ; and when a vital part, the brain or the lung, 
lies in juxtaposition to the fracture, the gravity of 
the injury is proportionately increased, for inflam- 
mation of the brain, or pleurisy, may set in. 



FEACTURES 149 

The Positive Signs of Fracture 
are crepitation, pain on manipulation, an altera- 
tion (due to displacement) in the shape of the 
part. As a rule, a considerable amount of swelling 
comes on immediately after the injury, but, if the 
part is freely fomented with hot water, swelling is 
kept back and diagnosis facilitated, • In the horse, 
however, any, or the whole, of the foregoing signs 
may be absent. In fact, in the majority of 
instances they are. When crepitation can be 
detected the diagnosis becomes a certainty. A 
bone may be fractured, yet no displacement occur 
at the time ; hence the reason why horses some- 
times become suddenly lame, through the part be- 
coming displaced weeks after the original injury 
occurred. It is usual to speak of such as a 
1 deferred ' fracture. 

In some cases of fracture in the horse displace- 
ment is an impossibility, as, for instance, when 
the pedal-bone is fractured, the hoof preventing 
displacement from taking place; and the same 
thing happens if the coronary-bone be broken. 
It is far more difficult to reunite a broken bone in 
a horse than in cattle, where fractures, however 
severe, will be found to mend readily under favour- 
able circumstances. 



150 THE HORSE 

The Union of a Fractured Bone. 

When a bone is broken, it is soldered together 
by new bone formed around, within, and between 
the broken ends. The skin covering the bone, 
that is, theperiosteum, plays a most important part 
in the reparatory process, assisting to lay down a 
permanent bond of union, termed the callus, 
which either encases the broken ends, or forms 
between them. In foals and young colts fractures 
are more easily mended than in horses, owing to 
the greater quantity of reparatory material. In 
ordinary cases, from six to eight weeks may be set 
down as the average period for the repair of .a 
bone, but so much depends upon circumstances 
that no definite time can be fixed. The following 
are some of the commonest fractures met with in 
the horse : — 

(a) The Fore-limb. 

Fracture of the Shoulder-Blade or Scapula. — 
This injury, sometimes termed 'Split Shoulder/ 
though not frequent, occasionally happens, and, 
unless there is displacement, is somewhat difficult 
to diagnose. Any portion of the bone may be 
broken, but the parts most often broken are 
the coracoid process and the neck of the scapula, 
fracture on the latter part sometimes resulting 



FRACTURES 151 

from decay of the bone. In other instances the 
spine or longitudinal dividing ridge has a portion 
broken off it at the lower end. 

Fracture of the Humerus or Arm.^- Unless 
crepitation can be detected, this is a very difficult 
injury to locate. The chief cause of it is impac- 
tion, such as may happen when a horse runs away 
and comes into collision with some object, such 
as a gate, etc. The shaft of the bone or its con- 
dyles are the parts usually injured, and treatment 
is seldom of much use. 

Fracture of the Elbow. — The point of the elbow, 
being somewhat prominent, is occasionally frac- 
tured, the summit of the ulna being broken off, 
giving rise to symptoms very like those of the 
so-called 'dropped' elbow. The bone is usually 
broken completely across, and as a rule it is not a 
difficult matter to detect this injury, there being 
crepitation and severe lameness, with or without 
displacement. The owner should seek professional 
advice at once in an accident of this class, for, 
although the horse does well in some cases, in 
others it has to be destroyed. 

Fracture of the Bones of the Knee. — It may be 
said that almost the sole cause of this is through 
falling upon the knee, but it is only in very severe 
injuries that the knee-bones are broken. The frac- 
ture is in every case accompanied by a so-called 



152 THE HORSE 

6 broken ■ knee, in which the skin and structures 
lying beneath are all torn. It is a difficult matter 
to detect a breakage in these small bones, and the 
best plan is to obtain professional advice in all 
injuries to the knees. 

Fracture of the Canon or large Metacarpal 
Bone. — This injury is usually the result of a kick 
from another horse, and would appear to be the 
commonest among foals, the result of a kick from 
their dam. It is usually of a compound nature, 
and as there is no flesh beneath the skin, any 
attempt at repair is seldom of much use, and the 
writer always recommends immediate destruction, 
although union is said to have occurred in some 
cases. 

Split Pastern, or Fracture of the First Phalanx. 
— This is by far the commonest fracture in the 
fore-limbs of a horse, and it is nearly always 
the result of concussion. It is surprising what 
an apparently trifling circumstance will lead 
to fracture of the pastern. An oblique split 
is the commonest, but it is frequently com- 
minuted; if so, destruction is recommended, 
although not absolutely imperative, provided that 
the animal can be placed under favourable condi- 
tions for repair of injury. The signs are sudden 
lameness, increased heat, swelling, pain on ma- 
nipulation, with or without crepitation. If a frac- 



FRACTURES 153 

ture is suspected, although the diagnosis is 
uncertain, the best plan is to treat as if there were 
a fracture. This can be done, after the swelling 
has subsided, by putting on a plaster of Paris 
bandage, so as to maintain the parts in apposition, 
and then giving the animal three months' rest in 
the slings. Some practitioners simply blister the 
pastern, and then turn the animal out at pasture, 
but this is not a wise procedure ; in fact, it would 
be quite wrong in a well-marked case of split 
pastern. It is impossible for the bone to unite if 
any movement is allowed to exist between the 
broken ends. This has been clearly demonstrated 
in numerous cases. 

Fracture of the Coronary, Pedal, and Navicular 
Bones. — Sometimes, on examination after death, 
one or other of the foregoing bones is found to be 
fractured, but there is nothing to indicate the 
fracture during life. Disease of the bones is, 
doubtless, often a cause of the fracture. Navicular 
disease favours fracture of the navicular-bone — a 
small bone situated at the back of the coronopedal 
articulation — and a large side-bone may possibly 
predispose to a fracture through the wing of the 
pedal-bone. All these injuries are incurable, so 
that it is advisable to have the animal destroyed 
if their presence is suspected. 



154 THE HORSE 

Fractures of the Hind Limb. 

Owing to the severe strains thrown upon bones 
and joints of the hind-limbs, sprains and fractures, 
etc., are of frequent occurrence, but the com- 
monest fracture, namely that of the tibia, or 
second thigh, is not produced in this manner, 
being nearly always the result of a kick from 
another horse. The hind canon and pastern, as 
well as the bones below, are very seldom broken, 
or certainly less often, than are corresponding 
parts in the fore-limb. The pelvis is occasion- 
ally fractured, but the signs of this are usually of 
an obscure nature, unless the fracture be one of 
the external angle of the ilium, or haunch. The 
point of this is occasionally knocked off, when 
the animal, in passing through the door, comes 
in contact with the door-post. In the language 
of horsemen, the hip is said to be ' down/ or the 
animal f hip-shot.' The injury is marked by a flat- 
ness, or alteration in the shape of the haunch. In 
addition to this, there is lameness, which lasts 
from three to eight weeks. In other fractures 
of the pelvis, such as that of the shaft of the 
ilium, internal haemorrhage occasionally results, 
the broken ends of the bones penetrating the 
iliac artery. The haemorrhage is of a fatal char- 
acter. As all pelvic fractures are difficult for 



FRACTURES 155 

the amateur to understand, there is no need to 
enter into a description; moreover, their treat- 
ment is naturally based upon anatomical facts, 
with which it is impossible for the non-profes- 
sional to become acquainted. 

Fracture of Femur and Fracture 
of the Tibia. 

The sheltered position of the femur and its 
enormous strength are to a large extent favour- 
able towards its freedom from injury; neverthe- 
less it is occasionally the seat of fracture, usually 
around the neck of the bone or in the projection 
called the trochanter. In most injuries of this 
nature there is marked shortening of the limb. 
The chief cause of such an injury is violent 
muscular contraction, as when a horse struggles 
to get its leg out of a hole. It may be regarded 
as a hopeless injury, hence the necessity for 
destruction. 

Fracture of the tibia may or may not be accom- 
panied by displacement. If there is displacement, 
the chances are that the fractured particles of 
bone will have pierced the skin; and the sooner 
the horse is destroyed the better. A transverse 
fracture is equally hopeless, but an oblique frac- 
ture, unaccompanied by a wound in the skin, and 
without displacement, makes a fairly hopeful 

K 



156 THE HOKSE 

case ; yet even in a case of this nature the 
majority of veterinary surgeons are in favour of 
destruction, and rightly so, if there is likely to 
be — as there generally is — difficulty experienced 
in keeping the parts adjusted. Of course, in 
every case it is necessary to sling the animal, 
and, should displacement occur after adjustment 
of the broken bone, it will be advisable to destroy. 
It is usually the lower end of the tibia, or second 
thigh, that is fractured, and, in the majority of 
cases, the kick is upon the inner aspect. If 
the bone is broken completely across, there is 
little beyond skin as a covering over it, and the 
limb, below the injury, swings about in a useless 
manner. 

In all cases of 'suspected' fracture of the 
tibia, it is advisable to treat as though the 
diagnosis were a certainty, thus rendering the 
chances of displacement less likely to occur. 
The application of an adhesive bandage, or one 
composed of plaster of Paris, will be suitable for 
such purposes. 

Fractures of the Bones of the Hock. 

It is not often that these bones are the seat 
of fracture ; the position and the compact nature 
of the joint rendering them comparatively free 
from such injury. The point of the hock is that 



FRACTURES 157 

most liable to fracture, and crepitation may be 
present. Fracture of the astragalus, that is, the 
large screw-like bone of the hock, has been pro- 
duced by an animal turning suddenly round, 
but the probabilities are, in this case, that the 
bone had become brittle through some inappreci- 
able cause. 



158 THE HORSE 



CHAPTER XVI 

DISEASES AFFECTING THE BONES AND 
JOINTS, ETC. 

Introduction. — The horse, owing to the nature 
of his work, is particularly liable to suffer from 
diseases and injuries in connection with the bones 
and joints ; the liability being greatest during the 
first two or three years of its life, because the 
various structures entering into formation of the 
joints, etc., have not become fully developed. 
Some parts of the osseous system, such as the 
hock-joint, the stifle-joint, fetlock-joint, etc., are 
particularly liable to become implicated in disease, 
and this, when once it is established, may destroy 
the future utility of the animal. The structures 
entering into the formation of a joint are bones, 
ligaments, and cartilage, together with the synovial 
membrane, or structure for lubricating the joint. 
Where tendons play over a joint, there is usually 
interposed between the joint a sheath or lubri- 
cating surface to facilitate free play of the tendon. 
Both the tendon sheaths and the capsular 
ligaments of a joint are very commonly im- 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 159 

plicated in disease, their over-distension con- 
stituting the so-called bursal enlargements. 
These swellings are almost always of a painless 
nature, and their chief detriment is that of un- 
sightliness. They are particularly common in 
the neighbourhood of the fetlock- and hock-joints, 
being popularly known to horsemen under the 
title of Wind-gall, Bog-spavin, etc. Horses that 
have done a considerable amount of hard work, 
and more especially those that have been pre- 
maturely worked, are particularly liable to develop 
these bursal enlargements. One of the most 
frequent swellings of this kind is that known 
under the title of 

Thoropin. 

This is a distension situated at the back of the 
hock immediately above the point of the latter, 
and the name is derived from the fact that when 
the swelling is pressed either on the outer or the 
inner side it bulges in the direction of the pres- 
sure ; in other words, the swelling can be pressed 
through from side to side. Although it very 
rarely produces lameness, nearly all veterinary 
surgeons look upon it as constituting unsound- 
ness, and most horsemen, recognising its presence, 
usually ask for a reduction in the purchase price 
of the animal. The writer does not attach a 



160 THE HORSE 

great deal of importance to its presence, more 
especially if the animal has turned five years old, 
and has hocks of good conformation. One or 
both hocks may be affected with Thoropin, but 
if both are affected it certainly detracts more 
from the animal's value. A horse that has been 
purchased with a warranty of ' general ' soundness 
can be returned to the vendor on the ground of 
unsoundness if this defect is discovered within, 
say, a few days, because Thoropin usually comes 
on gradually, its sudden development being 
certainly exceptional. As previously stated, it 
does not in any way interfere with the animal's 
utility, therefore any one contemplating the pur- 
chase of a horse, sound and useful in other 
respects, would, in my opinion, be ill-advised to 
reject the animal simply because Thoropin is 
present. 

Regarding the treatment and measures to be 
adopted in this abnormal condition, very little of 
a satisfactory nature can be done beyond apply- 
ing continuous pressure to the swelling, for which 
purpose an elastic bandage or a specially designed 
truss is employed. The chief objection to these 
is the long time that they have to be used before 
they do very much good. 

The simplest method of dealing with the com- 
plaint is to blister the part, or — and this is quite 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 161 

as efficacious — to fire it in lines and blister it 
afterwards. Another plan adopted is that of 
removing the contents of the swelling either by 
an aspirator, or by lancing. Aseptic precautions 
should be taken, and the cavity washed out with 
a solution of iodine, or some other substance 
capable of arresting excessive secretion, but this 
is the veterinary surgeon's work. 

Bog-Spavin. 

Most horsemen are familiar with this distended 
condition of the hock-joint. The swelling comes 
from an overfulness of the true hock-joint, and 
is most noticeable (especially in young horses) 
on the morning following a hard day's work. 
Although the term is rather ambiguous, implying, 
as it might, any swollen condition of the hock, 
either of an acute or chronic nature, it is mostly 
reserved for a soft, non-inflammatory, puffy con- 
dition of the hock-joint in general. A swelling 
of this nature hardly ever causes lameness, but 
if excessive, the tension it produces diminishes 
the proper flexion and extension of the hock- 
joint. Under these circumstances it, necessarily, 
constitutes unsoundness. The most economical 
method of dealing with swellings of this kind is 
to fire them, blister them, or to carry out a 
combination of these methods. Some veterinary 



162 THE HORSE 

surgeons puncture the swelling and remove the 
contents with a specially designed aspirator. 

Various other Bursal Enlargements. 

Sometimes very large swellings of this nature 
are situated just above and in front of the knee, 
at the back of the knee, at the fetlock, either in 
the fore or the hind limbs, likewise at the point 
of the elbow. These swellings vary in their size, 
form, etc., in accordance with the tendon, sheath, 
bursa, etc., that is over-distended. In all the 
situations named they are exceedingly unsightly, 
and very few veterinary surgeons would think of 
passing as sound a horse thus affected. One of 
the most important swellings of this nature is 
that known under the term of 

Capped Elbow, 

which is exceedingly common, and situated at 
the point of the elbow, there being a bursa in 
this situation. It is the result of a bruise to this 
structure, and usually results from the heel of 
the shoe pressing upon it during lying and rising, 
but sometimes occurs from other causes. It is 
surprising how quickly capped elbow may be pro- 
duced, a single night being sufficient, in some 
cases, to develop a large swelling. As a rule, this 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 163 

abnormal condition is the outcome of direct and 
continuous pressure, and the result is the produc- 
tion of a tumour of a fibroid nature at the point 
of the elbow, varying in size from a walnut to 
that of a child's head. When once a growth of 
this nature becomes established, nothing short 
of surgical measures is of any service for its 
removal, and the writer advises any one valuing 
the appearance of his horse to consult a veterinary 
surgeon as soon as possible. Various methods 
of treatment have been adopted, but prevention 
is the most sensible that the owner can adopt. 
See to the shoeing of the horse, have the heels 
shortened, more especially the inner one. Pads 
to keep the shoe from pressing against the elbow 
are sold, and can be obtained from almost any 
saddler. When the skin becomes broken and 
the part has been infected, a suppurating sore 
results; the part should then be dressed daily 
with a lotion, composed of the following : — 

Tincture of iodine, . . 1 oz. 



Tincture of arnica, 
Glycerine, 
Pure carbolic acid, 
Water, . 



1 oz. 
3 oz. 
1 oz. 
1 pint. 



Mix, and apply to the swelling two or three times 
a day. 



164 THE HORSE 

Splint. 

Amongst all the diseases affecting the bones 
of the horse, splint stands pre-eminent. Even 
the stable-boy acquires sufficient knowledge to 
point out the defect, and, as a rule, he is not 
slow to display his knowledge, more especially 
if the owner of a recently purchased animal 
shows himself to know little about the horse. 
However, sometimes a little knowledge becomes 
a dangerous thing, as the writer has frequently 
experienced. He remembers how a horsekeeper 
in charge of a district council's horses asked him 
whether he had ever seen a foal born with two 
large splints. Curiosity being aroused, the writer 
went to see the foal, and found that what the 
horsekeeper mistook for splints were the buttons 
or lower ends of the splint-bones, which in all 
foals are exceedingly prominent. This is by no 
means the first time that the uninitiated have 
been misled. 

Splint may be defined as a variable-sized bony 
enlargement, situated upon the canon-bone, or 
between this and the splint-bones of the fore- 
limbs. It is the result of a circumscribed in- 
flammation of the bone and its covering (Ostitis 
and Periostitis). The splint deposit is the legacy 
of this inflammation. There may be a new 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 165 

growth of bone no larger than that of a pea, or 
there may be a whole chain of growths, varying 
in their size and form, down the upper and pos- 
terior part of the canon-bone, usually in the 
upper third of it, but by no means confined to 
that part; in fact, splint sometimes appears on 
the inner or upon the outer side of the bone, 
more rarely upon the hind canon-bone. Its 
situation has an important bearing, in relation 
not only to the utility of the animal, but also 
to the commercial value. Strictly speaking, all 
forms of splint constitute unsoundness, but veter- 
inary surgeons hold very different views regard- 
ing it ; and many horse-dealers will buy a horse, 
provided that the splint is well down the canon- 
bone, and the animal good in other respects. 
The chief difficulty, however, is the uncertainty 
as to how long an animal may continue to go 
sound ; hence it is a veterinary surgeon's duty to 
reject every horse having this defect, no matter 
where the splint be situated, high or low, large 
or small, or whether the horse is required for slow 
or for fast work. A remarkable feature in con- 
nection with splint is that it sometimes dis- 
appears spontaneously, and this reabsorption of 
new bony material is well known to many veter- 
inarians, thus dispelling the erroneous maxim, 
* Once bone, always bone/ A splint situated close 



166 THE HOUSE 

to the knee is the worst, because, being in juxta- 
position to the tendons and ligaments, it fre- 
quently leads to intractable lameness. It is very 
difficult, and in a large number of cases impos- 
sible, to detect minute splints in this part, and 
there is no doubt that many obscure cases of 
lameness are ascribable to the disease. 

Causes. — Among the many agencies through 
which splint may come, two stand out promi- 
nently. These are youth and unequal distribu- 
tion of pressure. In youth the disease is favoured 
by hereditary predisposition. Almost every one 
knows that a young horse is much more likely 
to develop splint than is one that is fully matured ; 
and when colts are allowed to run at grass, with 
their feet growing out of all shape and form, the 
pressure upon the upper part of the limb becomes 
unequally distributed, and undue strain is thrown 
upon parts below the knee, etc., predisposing 
them to inflammatory changes. Almost any 
form of external injury either directly or in- 
directly applied to the canon-bone will produce 
a local inflammation, and the chances are that 
splint will result, the deposition of bony material 
being Nature's method of repair, the weakened 
part being strengthened in this manner. 

The Detection of Splint. — Ordinary forms 
of splint are readily detected by passing the hand 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 167 

down the back of the leg, from the knee to the 
fetlock, close against the tendons and bones, when 
one or several bony prominences will be felt lying 
beneath the skin. Sometimes splint, especially 
when situated on the front or side of the canon, 
is so large that it can not only be felt, but seen. 
The commonest seat of the disease is three or 
four inches below the knee, in the channel formed 
by the splint-bones on either side. As previously 
stated, care must be taken not to confuse the 
lower ends or buttons of splint-bones with the 
diseased condition now under consideration. By 
comparing the inner and outer prominences one 
should be easily able to satisfy himself as to the 
presence or absence of splint. 

Splint Lameness.— In the majority of instances 
splint does not produce lameness, unless situated 
close to the knee, constituting the so-called 
'knee-splints/ During its formative stage, how- 
ever, it may do so, and is then accompanied by 
increased heat and pain, and swelling, over the 
region implicated in the disease. As in other 
lamenesses, a horse trotted on soft ground usually 
gives little evidence of lameness, whereas on hard 
ground it becomes palpably lame. During the 
walk it may go fairly sound, the lameness increas- 
ing with the pace. 

Treatment. — There are various methods 



168 THE HOESE 

adopted for the relief or cure of splint-lameness, 
many of which are of no use at all. The first 
essential is rest, and, if the splint is forming, 
the following cooling lotion should be applied to 
the part : — 

Ammonium chloride, . . 2 oz. 

Nitrate of potash, . . . 2 oz. 

Tincture of arnica, . . 1 oz. 

Water, 1 pint. 

A linen bandage to be soaked in this lotion three 
or four times a day, and a soft bandage applied 
over the first. If the splint has formed and the 
horse is lame, the best way is to fire the splint 
in points, and then to blister it, giving the horse 
six weeks' rest If desired, the splint can be 
removed, but this is a matter resting with the 
veterinary surgeon. Intractable forms of splint- 
lameness are often curable by Median Neurotomy, 
i.e. division of the Median nerve, together with 
excision of about half an inch of the nerve. A 
simpler method of treatment is the daily applica- 
tion of blistering ointment, such as Red Blistering 
Ointment. 

Sore Shins. 

This diseased condition is chiefly seen in race- 
horses, and consists of an inflammation of the 
periosteum or fibrous membrane covering the 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 169 

large metacarpal or canon-bone. One or both 
limbs may be affected, but usually only one, and 
the soreness is brought on by severe galloping. 
The symptoms indicative of this complaint are 
painful swelling over the canon-bone, causing a 
considerable degree of constitutional disturbance ; 
sometimes the swelling runs on to suppuration 
and the skin breaks, whereas in other cases the 
inflammation gradually subsides, and the struc- 
tures are restored to their former functional state. 
The disease is said never to occur in aged or old 
horses, but this is questionable, because there are 
other causes of sore shins than the severe gallop- 
ing of young horses. 

Treatment. — The leg should be placed in a 
pailful of warm water, and freely fomented 
several times a day ; afterwards, the cooling lotion 
recommended under the heading of ' Splint ' should 
be applied. Better still is the lotion below : — 

Laudanum, . . . 2 oz. 

Goulard's Water, . . 2 oz. 

Water, 12 oz. 

Soak a linen bandage in this fluid, and apply 
several times a day. As a rule, it will be much 
more economical and far more satisfactory to 
have professional aid. 



170 THE HORSE 

Curb. 

This disease, affecting the back and lower part of 
the hock, consists of a variably-sized swelling 
which makes its appearance about two or three 
inches below the point of the hock, lying in the 
same straight line. It is due to a sprain of the 
calcaneo-cuboid ligament, which passes from the 
back of the hock and becomes attached to the 
metatarsals, and to the cuboid and scaphoid 
bones. This sprained condition leads to a per- 
manent thickening of the ligament, which shows 
itself as a convex swelling, particularly noticeable 
when viewed in profile. All classes of horses are 
liable to be affected with curb, but it is of much 
greater significance in horses required for fast 
work than in those required for slow draught. A 
curb varies considerably in size, some being so 
small as to be hardly noticeable, and one or both 
hocks may be the seat of this diseased condition. 
Hereditary predisposition is believed to play a 
part in the production of curb, and there is no 
doubt that it does so in the conformation of the 
hocks. Nearly all veterinary surgeons — to which 
there are many exceptions — are agreed that over- 
bent or stickle-shaped hocks are those most liable 
to become curby. In every instance curb con- 
stitutes unsoundness, but it does not often cause 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 171 

lameness, unless during the formative stage. 
When lameness is present, it usually lasts for 
several weeks, and is observed mostly in young 
horses. As previously stated, the best method to 
detect a curb is to view the limb in profile, 
when, if curb be present, a convexity just below 
the point of the hock will be seen. 

Treatment.— The best method of dealing with 
a curb is to give it a good firing, and then blister 
it afterwards. This usually reduces it consider- 
ably, and the operation may be repeated several 
times. Blistering of itself is seldom of much use. 
A curb, when it is forming, requires to be treated 
with cooling lotions, such as the lead and opium 
lotion recommended under the heading of ' Sore 
Shins/ Regarding the development of curb, it 
may be said that several days at least are neces- 
sary for the formation of even a very small curb, 
and that when a horse is sold as perfectly sound 
in all respects, one may take it that the curb was 
present at the time of sale, provided that there 
is neither lameness nor increased heat of the 
part. 

Capped Hock. 

The point of the hock is, owing to its promi- 
nence, very liable to become injured, the injury 
varying from a simple non-inflammatory swelling 



172 THE HORSE 

to one accompanied by all the signs of acute 
inflammation and lameness. The skin, the bursa, 
the tendon, or the bone may be implicated in 
this abnormal condition. In every instance it is 
a blemish, but certainly not always an unsound- 
ness, interfering with neither the present nor the 
future utility of the animal. These remarks are 
applicable only when the swelling is of a non- 
inflammatory nature. 

Causes. — A variety of causes may produce 
capped hock, but in every case it is the result of 
either continued or intermittent pressure ; hence 
the reason why many horses have the points of 
their hocks swollen through the pressure on them 
during lying or rising. Any kind of injury, such 
as a bruise in this region, may easily set up 
inflammation. Kicking in harness, during transit 
by train, or against the stall-post in the stable, is 
a common cause of the disease. A horse might 
be sold as perfectly sound, and the hock become 
capped in a single night; if so, there will be 
swelling, increased heat, pain, and lameness 
present, and this may be taken as the best 
positive evidence that the condition has arisen, 
say, within a few hours. 

Treatment. — When the cardinal signs of in- 
flammation are present, the treatment should be 
rest and the application of sedative and cooling 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 173 

lotions. The lead and laudanum lotion (see 
' Splint ') can be used. In the author's experience, 
very useful treatment for capped hock and other 
bursal enlargements is the application of ordinary 
gas-tar, combined with a small amount of iodine, 
or, what is equally suitable, equal parts of com- 
pound iodine ointment and gas-tar, to be rubbed 
well into the part with a stiff brush ; this should be 
repeated every four or five days. Dry pressure is 
of considerable service, and this can be applied 
through the medium of an elastic bandage, taking 
care to put a linen bandage beneath the elastic, in 
order to prevent destruction of the circulation 
beneath the bandage. 

Bone-Spavin. 

This is the commonest of the diseases affecting 
a horse's joints, and leads to more litigation than 
any other disease does. The term Bone-spavin has 
been in existence for generations, but there is no 
doubt that, by those who are unacquainted with 
the anatomy of the region, it is often confused 
with other diseases affecting the hock. Almost 
every horseman professes to be able to recognise 
this diseased condition, but, considering that it 
often puzzles the expert to decide whether a hock 
is, or is not, spavined, it is necessarily very diffi- 
cult for the amateur to make a diagnosis. The 



174 THE HOESE 

difficulty arises in the difference in the conforma- 
tion of hocks, and in their frequent inequality in 
size. Sometimes one veterinary surgeon will pass 
a horse as perfectly free from bone-spavin, whereas 
the same animal may be rejected by another 
immediately afterwards for this very disease ; and 
the only method of obtaining positive evidence 
upon the point is to use the Rontgen rays, but 
this cannot be done in everyday practice. When 
spavin is present, it is situated upon the lower 
and inner aspect of the hock-joint, in other words, 
just at the top of the canon-bone, its position vary- 
ing but slightly. In every instance it constitutes 
unsoundness, but, just as in the case of splint, 
veterinary surgeons are not agreed as to the 
significance attachable to it. Thus, for instance, 
some practitioners will pass a horse as l practically ' 
sound provided that the animal is required for 
slow work, is over five years old, has well-formed 
hocks, and is free from lameness. In this case 
the examiner considers that the animal has a 
hundred-to-one chance of remaining sound. The 
large proportion of horses that have hocks 
spavined, though otherwise of good conformation, 
may in a measure explain the system adopted by 
many veterinary surgeons; but as a safeguard, 
both for the examiner and purchaser of a horse, 
it is always advisable to reject a horse having the 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 175 

slightest suspicion of this disease. Qualifying 
statements made by a practitioner at the time 
of examination will not, legally, discharge his 
responsibility to the purchaser; hence it is ex- 
pedient to act in accordance with the law relating 
to warranty. More significance is attached to 
spavin in a horse required for fast work than in a 
cart-horse. Bone-spavin may be defined as a 
chronic inflammation of the bones entering into 
the formation of the hock-joint, an inflammation 
in which the cartilage, ligaments, and synovial 
membranes may participate. In old horses, the 
disease usually runs on to destruction of the 
articular cartilages forming the joint, all attempts 
at repair being useless. In young horses, on the 
other hand, inflammation usually produces a 
salutary effect, the individual bones of the hock- 
joint becoming sealed together by deposition of 
inflammatory products, which serves to strengthen 
the joint, but diminishes the action of the hock. 
There is a form of disease attacking the hock, 
known as occult spavin, i.e. a disease attacking 
the individual bones of the hock. This disease, 
though it cannot be discovered by manipulation, 
is sometimes so severe as to produce a most 
intractable lameness, and, when once it is estab- 
lished, it may be regarded as incurable. There is 
another form of spavin spoken of as blood-spavin, 



176 THE HORSE 

which consists of a distended condition of the 
vein as it courses over the inner aspect of the 
hock. It is not of any significance. 

Bone-spavin may affect one or both hocks, and 
when both hocks are the seat of the disease, 
there is a difficulty, more especially if the en- 
largements are fairly uniform, in deciding whether 
it is the normal conformation of the hocks, or 
otherwise. Some horses are either continuously, 
or intermittently, lame from spavin, the lameness 
being denoted by its increase, following rest. For 
instance, a horse with spavin lameness will come 
out of a stable very lame and stiff about the 
hock, but, as soon as the animal gets warmed 
to its work, the lameness gradually disappears. 
There is a want of free flexion and extension 
about the joint, and, if the spavin is forming, 
there will be increased heat, pain, and swelling 
over the part. If the joint is forcibly flexed with 
the hand and held in this position for a minute 
or two, the animal evinces pain, but this test is 
not a very reliable one. The best method of 
detecting spavin is to view the hocks obliquely, 
standing in front of the horse, just behind the 
shoulders, when any difference in size is usually 
readily discernible. A method about as good 
is to compare the hocks with the fingers of 
the same hand, when any difference in size will 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 177 

at once be apparent. It is thought that the 
so-called ' tied-in ' hock, that is, narrow at its 
junction with the canon-bone, is predisposed to 
become affected with spavin, but in all proba- 
bility the conformation of the hock has very 
little to do with production of spavin. Hocks 
that are over-bent or turned out are thought, 
by some, to be particularly liable to become 
spavined. External injuries, such as sprains and 
blows, may bring on spavin, and it is probable 
that rheumatism is another cause. The size of 
the spavin, i.e. the legacy of the previous in- 
flammatory action, affords no evidence as to the 
degree of lameness which it may produce. For 
instance, a very large spavin may produce no 
lameness at all, whereas a small one will pro- 
bably give rise to a severe degree of lameness; 
and it is, consequently, impossible to prognosti- 
cate whether lameness will or will not make its 
appearance. 

Treatment. — One of the first essentials in the 
treatment of a horse going lame from spavin is 
absolute rest, say for three months ; and in order 
to facilitate the requisite rest in the joint, it is 
advisable to try to excite a fresh reparatory in- 
flammation, which can be done, in some cases at 
least, by the application of the hot iron, prefer- 
ably in the form of points, pressing the firing- 



178 THE HORSE 

iron deeply into the new growth, and in a course 
of forty-eight hours blistering it. Line-firing is 
very often employed, but it leaves more of a 
blemish than the other method. Blistering alone 
is seldom of much use. This, of course, is the 
work of the veterinary surgeon, and should never 
be attempted by an amateur. Firing beneath 
the skin has also been employed, and an opera- 
tion sometimes resorted to is that of opening 
the bursa of the terminal tendon of the flexor 
metatarsi. The aim of this operation is to excite 
a fresh inflammation, and so to assist repair. 
Whatever method of treatment be pursued, rest 
is an indispensable factor, and, unless the pro- 
prietor is willing to give about three months for 
the horse's benefit, it is very little use to do any- 
thing, and recurrent attacks of lameness brought 
on through work will almost certainly lead to a 
permanently incurable condition. 



Ringbone and other Exostoses in Connection 
with the Phalangeal Articulations. 

The fetlock- and the pastern -joints are very 
commonly the seats of diseased activity, which 
usually shows itself in the form of a bony 
growth, at the front, back, inner, or outer sides, 
or all round either of the joints named or parts 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 179 

adjacent thereto. The disease may occur in 
either the fore or the hind limbs, but most 
frequently in the former. The term Ringbone 
is applied when the new growth assumes a ring- 
like formation around the joint, and the prefix 
'High' or 'Low' is applied when the ringbone 
is situated upon the upper or lower part of the 
pastern. All forms I of ringbone constitute un- 
soundness and materially interfere with the in- 
tegrity of the joint, though it must be understood 
that a horse may have a very large ringbone 
upon either or both of the fore-limbs, and yet go 
perfectly sound, the size of the growth having 
little or nothing to do with the presence or 
absence of lameness. In some cases the arti- 
cular cartilage of the joints becomes destroyed, 
whereas in others the joint becomes sealed up 
with the products of inflammation, and lameness 
subsides. In the former case, the disease is pro- 
gressively destructive. The causes of ringbone 
are many, but external injuries, such as a blow 
over a joint, more especially above the coronary- 
band, may produce it; in other cases, sprain of 
the joint may lead to it, the ligamentous 
structures first of all being the seat of the 
disease, followed by its extension to other parts. 

Some authorities believe that upright or weak 
pasterns favour the development of the disease, 



180 THE HORSE 

but a powerful predisposing factor, in young 
animals, is too much work, or work that demands 
excessive strain upon the joints below the fetlock. 
Hackneys, hunters, and steeplechase and race- 
horses, are not so liable to suffer from ringbone 
as are the heavier breeds, but its presence in the 
former class of animal is much more detrimental 
than in the case of heavy horses. 

Treatment. — Very little can be done, and the 
results of firing and blistering are not, as a rule, 
satisfactory, though a good deal resorted to. 
Particular attention should be paid to the shoe- 
ing, and in young animals which have not been 
shod the hoof should be pared regularly, so as. to 
give equal distribution of pressure. When the 
heels are too long they should be shortened, and 
the horse shod with plain shoes. If the heels are 
too low the shoes should be raised at the heels. 
In the early stages of ringbone formation rest 
and cooling applications are necessary, and when 
the acute signs of inflammation have subsided, it 
is advisable to shoe the horse with pads, thus 
diminishing the concussion. Neurectomy is some- 
times resorted to in order to do away with the 
lameness, but it has no influence over the 
disease, and is merely an operation employed for 
the purpose of rendering an incurable disease 
obscure. 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 181 

Rupture of the Flexor Metatarsi Muscle. 

Numerous cases of this injury have been re- 
corded by British and Continental veterinarians, 
and the symptoms are not the same in every 
case. In order to understand thoroughly the 
nature of the injury, it is necessary to explain 
that the tendon of this muscle arises on the 
front of the femur and passes over the stifle- 
joint in front of the tibia or second thigh, and 
is then inserted by three slips into the hock 
and canon-bone. It serves to unite the stifle 
and the hock-joints, and assists in the extension 
of the hock-joint. The chief cause of injury is 
over-extension of the hock -joint, such as may be 
caused by the foot becoming fixed and the animal 
struggling to free the limb ; hence rupture of the 
flexor metatarsi occurs suddenly. 

Symptoms. — These are very striking. The 
flexor metatarsi muscle and the gastrocnemius 
are antagonistic muscles, so that when the 
former is ruptured the tendon of the latter, i.e. 
the tendon of Achilles, is thrown into folds from 
the point of the hock upwards when the limb 
is lifted from off the ground, and the stifle-joint 
at the same time is excessively flexed. Cases of 
this nature are uncertain as regards recovery, 
which sometimes takes place within a few weeks, 



182 THE HORSE 

whereas at other times many months elapse 
before there is any improvement; and the only 
treatment that can be employed is blistering the 
muscle, and keeping the animal at rest for several 
months. 

Dislocation of the Patella, or Slipped 
Knee-Cap. 

The stifle-joint of the horse is formed by the 
union of three bones, namely the femur, or first 
thigh ; the tibia, or second thigh ; and the patella, 
or knee-cap. On the inner and outer side there 
are the so-called lateral ligaments, and in front 
the three straight ligaments. The action of the 
lateral ligaments is that of strengthening the 
capsular ligaments of the joint, the same remark 
being applicable to the straight ligaments. A 
frequent cause of the displacement arises through 
relaxation of the internal lateral ligament, and 
this is the principal cause in foals that are poorly 
developed; in such animals the accident is of 
very common occurrence, and nothing short of 
improvement in the general condition of the 
animal is likely to restore the joint to its normal 
condition. Dislocation of the patella is by no 
means confined to young animals, many fully- 
developed horses suffering from it, but it is fre- 
quently confused with cramp of the stifle, a con- 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 183 

dition that usually leads to recovery in the course 
of a few days. The patella, or knee-cap, may be 
displaced upwards, but more frequently outwards. 
When the displacement is in an upward direction 
the bone becomes fixed over the outer articular 
surface of the femur, whereas in outward dis- 
placement of the bone it lies to the side of the 
joint, and this is its commonest position. 

Signs. — As a rule, it is a very easy matter to 
detect this injury, the animal's gait being very 
characteristic; during the walk the limb is 
dragged, as it were, the point of the toe touching 
the ground, and the whole of the joints are flexed. 
If the hand is placed upon the patella and the 
animal compelled to move, the bone will be found 
slipping in and out during the movement, and, 
if it is replaced with the hand, a distinct sound 
can be heard. If the animal is allowed to be at 
exercise, the irritation induced by the abnormal 
position of the bone sets up a dropsical condition 
of the joint, easily detected by manipulation. 

Treatment. — Regarding the treatment to be 
adopted, very little can be done beyond building 
up the constitution so as to strengthen the joint ; 
in other words, a colt or foal should be fed most 
liberally, and at the same time be kept in the 
stable with the limb drawn forwards. This can 
be done by placing a hobble round the fetlock 



184 THE HORSE 

and passing through the hobble a rope, which 
should be hitched around the neck. Care must 
be taken that the animal does not get entangled 
whilst lying down. It is surprising how soon a 
colt will become used to the restraint, and exer- 
cise care whilst lying. This treatment should be 
followed up by a severe blistering, for the swelling 
induced will assist to keep the parts in their 
normal position, and will also strengthen the 
structures composing the joint. It is a very good 
plan to re-blister as soon as the effects of the first 
application have passed off*. There is a consider- 
able percentage of recoveries when this treatment 
is adopted, but it must be borne in mind that 
there is a tendency to recurrence, more especially 
in aged horses; hence, as soon as a cure (or, it 
may be, an apparent cure) has been brought 
about, it is the most economical plan for the 
proprietor to dispose of the animal. 

Inflammation of the Stifle-Joint. 

The stifle-joint may be affected with either 
acute or chronic inflammation, and a frequent 
cause of the former is a kick or other injury t 
such as a stab, etc.; whereas chronic inflammation 
of the stifle-joint is common in cart-horses, and 
mostly due to ulceration of the articular cartilage. 
The disease may be confined to one or may attack 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 185 

both joints, but as a rule only one joint is affected. 
In most cases the diseased cartilage is that 
between the femur and the tibia. When acutely- 
inflamed, the joint is swollen, and the lameness 
severe, whereas in chronic inflammation there is 
marked lameness, but usually an absence of in- 
creased heat and swelling in the joint. The 
animal is constantly standing with the leg flexed, 
and lifting it intermittently, through the pain in 
the joint. If the joint is affected with acute 
inflammation, such as that resulting through 
puncture, there is in addition to the swelling and 
lameness a discharge of synovia or joint oil, asso- 
ciated with suppuration, as in an ordinary sore. 
In cases of chronic disease of the stifle-joint, it 
is best to destroy, whereas in the case of an 
acutely inflamed joint, if synovia is issuing from 
it, the best method is to blister, and then to place 
the animal in slings, so as to afford the joint all 
the rest possible. At the same time the wound 
can be dressed daily with a little oil of cloves and 
cotton-wool. 

Open Joint. 
The term 'open joint' is applied when the 
capsular ligament of the joint has been punc- 
tured, causing discharge of the joint oil or lubri- 
cating fluid. A distinction must be made between 
an open joint and an open tendon sheath or an 



186 THE HORSE 

open bursa, the two last being more responsive to 
treatment. An open joint is not necessarily the 
result of direct injury to the joint, but often of a 
wound in the neighbourhood, from which slough- 
ing takes place, causing the joint to open. In 
an open joint the synovial membrane becomes 
acutely inflamed. The hock-joint is most fre- 
quently the seat of this injury, but the stifle, 
knee, fetlock, etc., are occasionally affected. In 
every instance there is a discharge of joint oil, 
accompanied by swelling, lameness, and a variable 
degree of constitutional disturbance. If the joint 
has been infected with the organisms of suppura- 
tion, pus is mingled with the synovia that issues 
from the joint when the animal is made to move, 
or the joint manipulated in any way. 

Treatment. — Strictly speaking, this is a matter 
for professional advice, because so much will 
depend upon the condition of the joint, and the 
time that the injury has been in existence. All 
wounds in the neighbourhood of joints demand 
particular attention to cleanliness, and the use of 
antiseptic agents to limit the discharge. If the 
injury has just been inflicted and the joint is 
acutely inflamed, cooling applications are indi- 
cated, such as a lotion composed of laudanum 
and Goulard's Water, about three ounces of each 
of these being added to a pint of water, and 



DISEASES AFFECTING BONES, ETC. 187 

applied with linen and flannel bandage. A small 
pad of lint, previously soaked in a solution of 
corrosive sublimate, should be placed over the 
wound before the application of the bandages and 
lotion, or the wound may be painted with collo- 
dion two or three times daily. The animal must 
be kept in a sling, though this is difficult with a 
colt. If the injury has been done some time, it 
is advisable to blister the joint in order to create 
swelling, which assists to close the wound. At 
the same time oil of cloves and a particle of 
cotton-wool should be applied daily over the 
wound, or oftener if necessary. Blood with the 
discharge from the wound generally indicates 
disease of the bones, and if this is so, it would be 
better to destroy the animal. For the ameliora- 
tion of the constitutional disturbance a dose of 
physic may be given, or a half-ounce dose of 
Epsom salts added to the drinking-water daily. 

Hip-Joint Lameness. 

This joint is formed by the articular head of 
the femur, or first thigh-bone, and the cotyloid, 
or articular cavity of the pelvis. Owing to its 
sheltered position the joint is not so liable to 
injury, yet obscure forms of lameness are often 
ascribed to this region, though in all probability 
the diagnosis is, in the majority of cases, a false 

M 



188 THE HORSE 

one. The joint is sometimes injured, or fractured, 
in combination with an injury to the ilium or shaft 
of the pelvis. Bruising of the muscles over the 
joint, disease of the bones (of the lumber verte- 
brae, femur, or pelvis), as 'well as slipping of the 
limb in an outward direction, may be regarded as 
causes of hip lameness. 

Symptoms. — There are no definite signs indica- 
tive of lameness in this situation, unless manual 
examination reveals fracture, etc. Wasting of the 
muscles over the quarter, though significant of 
disease in this region, is not of sufficient dia- 
gnostic importance. As in all other lamenesses, 
signs of lameness in this joint are most evident 
during turning and backing movements, but re- 
liance must be placed chiefly upon tenderness in 
the region of the joint. 

Treatment. — Rest is most important, and in 
many cases it is advantageous to place the animal 
in slings, more especially if the injury is thought 
to have arisen suddenly, as the rest afforded by 
the slings is particularly suitable in all pelvic 
injuries. A blister applied over the joint will be 
beneficial, or, if preferred, the hip may be rubbed 
with some stimulating liniment, such as White 
Oil. 



INDEX 



Abortion, 81, 

Actinomycosis, 41. 

Air-Tubes, affections of, 30. 

Amaurosis (Glass Eye), 98. 

Anthrax, 42. 

Antimony, 111. 

Appliances, list of useful, 137. 

Arsenic, 110. 

Arthritis, Navicular, 126. 

Azoturia, 89. 

Balls, how to administer, 22. 

Bandages, 17. 

Bedding, 15. 

Bilious Fever, 70. 

Bladder, inflammation of, 77 ; 
irritability of, 77 ; stone in, 
77. 

Blood in Urine, 79. 

Bog-Spavin, 161. 

Bone-Spavin, 173. 

Bones, diseases affecting, 158 ; 
Fractures of Bones of the 
Hock, 156 ; fractured, union 
of, 150; splint, 164. 

Bowels, diseases of, 59 ; inflam- 
mation of, 59. 



Bronchitis, 30. 
Brushing, 114. 

Bursal Enlargements, various, 
162. 

Canker, 120. 
Cape Horse Sickness, 56. 
Cataract, 96. 
Catarrh, 34. 

Chest, affections of, 30; roar- 
ing, 30. 
Chorea, 84. 
Cleanliness, 13. 
Clothing, 17. 
Colic, 62. 
Collar Galls, 108. 
Concretions, 65. 
Consumption, 40. 
Coughs, chronic, 30. 
Curb, 170. 

Delirium, 87. 
Diabetes, 88. 
Diarrhoea, 68. 

Diseases due to Micro -Organ- 
isms, 40. 

occurring abroad, 54. 

189 



190 



THE HORSE 



Distemper, 48. 

Drugs, 131 ; list of, 137. 

Dysentery, 68. 

Eczema, 102. 

Elbow, capped, 162. 

Electuaries, 24. 

Epizootic Lymphangitis, 57. 

Eye, diseases of, 94 ; Amaurosis 
(Glass Eye), 98 ; Cataract, 
96 ; Ophthalmia and foreign 
bodies upon, 95 ; Stricture 
of Lachrymal Duct, 99 ; torn 
eyelids, 97 ; worm in the, 97. 

Eyelids, torn, 97. 

False Quarter, 117. 

Feeding, 21. 

Feeding Sick Horses, 22. 

Feet, diseases affecting, 114; 
Canker, 120 ; contraction of, 
119; corns on, 119; cracked 
heels, 101 ; diseases of the 
sole, 119; Laminitis, or 
Founder, 123 ; pumiced or 
collapsed wall, 118 ; Quittor, 
115; Sandcrack, 116; Seedy 
Toe, 118; Thrush, 122. 

Fever, Bilious, 70 ; Mud, 100. 

Founder, 123. 

Fracture of Bones of Hock, 
156. 

of Femur and Tibia, 155. 

signs of, 149. 



Fractured Bone, union of, 150. 

Fractures, 147. 

of Hind Limb, 154. 

Gall Stones, 73. 

Galls — saddle galls, 108 ; collar 

galls, 108. 
Generative Organs, affections 

of the, 75. 
Glanders, 46. 
Glass Eye, 98. 
Grease, 106. 
Grooming, 18. 

Heart, the, 25. 

diseases of the, 26. 

Heels, cracked, 101. 

Hip- Joint, lameness from, 187. 

Hock, capped, 171. 

Influenza, 48. 

Jaundice, 73. 

Joints, diseases affecting, 158 ; 
open joints, 185 ; Hip-joint, 
lameness from, 187 ; Stifle- 
joint, inflammation of, 184 ; 
Bone-Spavin, 173. 

Kidney, inflammation of, 76 ; 

stone or gravel within, 76. 
Knee-Cap, slipped, 182. 

Labour, normal, 81. 



INDEX 



191 



Lachrymal Duct, stricture of, 
99. 

Lameness from Hip -joint, 
187. 

Lamiuitis, 123. 

Laryngitis, 34. 

Lead Poison, 111. 

Lice, 107. 

Liver, diseases of, 70 ; cirrho- 
sis, of, 70 ; indurated, 70 ; 
complaints, 70. 

Lockjaw, 44. 

Lungs, diseases of, 30 ; acute 
congestion of , 35; Bronchi- 
tis, 30 ; Broken Wind, 30 ; 
Chronic Coughs, 30 , Con- 
sumption, 40; Roaring, 30; 
Tuberculosis, 40. 

Lymphangitis, 90. 

Mange, 104. 

Medicine, how to administer, 

22. 
Micro-Organisms, diseasesdue 

to, 40. 
Mud-Fever, 100. 
Mud-Rash, 100. 
Muscles, affectionsof the, 181; 

Metatarsi muscle, rupture 

of, 181. 

Nettie-Rash, 109. 

(Estrum, 82. 
Ophthalmia, 95. 



Paralysis, 86. 
Parasites, internal, 66. 
Patella, dislocation of, 182. 
Pink Eye, 49. 
Pleuro-Pneumonia, 37. 
Poisons, 110; Antimony, 111; 

Arsenic, 110 ; Lead, 111 ; 

Yew, the, 112. 
Powders, how to administer, 

22. 
Premature Birth, 80. 
Psoriasis, 101. 
Pulse, the, 27. 

Pumicedor collapsed wall, 118. 
Purpura, 103. 

Quittor, 115. 

Recipes, 131. 
Rheumatism, 91. 
Ringbone, 178. 
Ringworm, 109. 
Roaring, 30. 

Saddle Galls, 108. 

St. Vitus' Dance, 84. 

Sandcrack, 116. 

Scirrhus Cord, 41. 

Seborrhcea, 106. 

Seedy Toe, 118. 

Sheath, swollen, 79. 

Shins, sore, 168. 

Shivering, 84. 

Sick Horses, feeding of, 22. 



192 



INDEX 



Sickness, Cape Horse, 5Q. 

Skin, diseases of, 100 ; Eczema, 
102; Mange, 104; Mud- 
Fever, 100 ; Mud-Rash, 100 ; 
Nettle-Rash, 109 ; Psoriasis, 
101; Purpura, 103; Ring- 
worm, 109 ; Saddle and 
Collar Galls, 108. 

Splint, 164. 

Stable, management of, 11. 

Stomach, diseases of the, 59. 

Strangles, 53. 

Strangury, 78. 

String-Halt, 85. 

Surra, 54. 

Temperature, 28. 
Tetanus, 44. 
Thoropin, 159. 
Thrush, 122. 



Tuberculosis, 40. 

Urinary Organs, affections of 
the, 75. 

Urine, blood in, 79 ; incontin- 
ence of, 78. 

Vagina, discharge from, 82. 
Ventilation, 13. 

Wall, pumiced or collapsed, 

118. 
Watering, 21. 
Weed, 90. 
Wind, broken, 30. 
Worm in the eye, 97. 
Worms, 66. 
Wounds, 139; treatment of," 

140. 

Yew, poisoning by, 112. 



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